Going Local for Deep Connection

I had an amazing experience recently, but I didn’t see it that way going in.

I was invited to speak at my local Chamber of Commerce. And when I say local, I mean I literally had to drive less than a mile to get there.

My work nowadays tends to be with mid-to-large organizations from all over the country. My focus has shifted away from doing smaller, local events. If I am completely honest, I have to say my expectations were low for much engagement.

The president of the group had seen me speak at another local event some time ago and asked me to come speak at this event. I am not sure why I said yes. But I agreed to speak at the event months in advance.

The day arrived and it was in the midst of an atmospheric river. If you don’t know what that is, just imagine cold, windy, buckets of rain that floods the streets and wreaks havoc with utilities and tree limbs. “Great,” I thought as I forced myself out of my sweats and into business clothing, “Now no one will show.”

I’m not the kind of speaker who arrives just before it is time to take the stage. I like to be present for any meeting happening when I’m speaking. I like to get the feel of a group. Who they are and what they stand for. What they celebrate. What makes them laugh or what tensions they are dealing with.

I arrived right on time in the giant meeting room where I found a large stage with a huge screen. Three people were there. I thought, “Oh my, just as I had feared. A tiny group.”

However, within a few minutes people started arriving, energetically and enthusiastically.

I was greeted by someone who said, “Oh I’ve seen you talk before. I’ve been waiting for this!” Another person said, “I hope you don’t mind if I record you. My sales manager can’t make it and he is so disappointed. He made me promise to video you.” A woman grabbed my hand and said, “I don’t care what the weather is like. I wasn’t going to miss this for anything!” And on and on. The welcome and excitement was so surprising.

I was kind of blown away when the Director took to the stage to run the meeting. Her energy and enthusiasm and quick wit (which I love) came bursting through. She kept referring to the group as the “Chamber that has the most fun! (and she was not wrong). Laugh after laugh. Hug after hug.

The sense that I got as I sat there eating my corned beef and cabbage luncheon was that this is a group that really cares about each other. They care about the mission to better the community and the businesses within our tiny community. I started to feel a bit of pride that I live here.

My presentation was only about 25 minutes long. But as I spoke, I could feel the engagement and the captivation. I felt connected to these people who I did not know.

Once I got home, emails and text messages started arriving. “I feel like I have so much to learn from you. I’ve ordered your book and am going through the resources on your website. Thank you.”

“Thank you so much for your presentation today. You really touched a lot of people.”

“Beth Wonson, you rock! You have the ability to teach how to reach into the soul of leaders and make them stronger, better, and you gave us insight on how to give our employees a better work environment. I’m blessed to have crossed paths with you!”

I’m not sharing all this to be boastful. I’m sharing it because sometimes I must remember that although I want to make the biggest possible impact by speaking in front of the largest numbers of people at the largest of events, my heart, soul, and motivation are fed from this kind of event.

I’m reminded today that my sights are often set on the biggest goals and I tend to view the wins and seek validation from that perspective. In being only focused on big impacts, I make the mistake of viewing everything else as “not good enough”.

But as I sit with the afterglow of being in community with dedicated, hardworking people who so obviously care for each other and showed deep, authentic appreciation for me and my work, I see that this too is a giant win. The depth of this specific feeling is one I don’t always get from a large auditorium full of attendees.

So here’s my advice for you. Every once in a while do something that doesn’t quite seem like it fits with your big goals. For no other reason than to fill your heart. Sit at the staff lunch table and bask in the connection and fun of your staff. Find time in your schedule to volunteer at an event in your community. Find ways to spend time with people who are different from you. Sit and allow yourself to be welcomed and embraced. Be an observer. Be curious. Especially when it feels like you have no time to do so. Do it anyway! Your heart will thank you.