Thursday, September 20, 2007

Networking and The Divine Flow

September 23, 2007

Dear Friends,

In 2001, when I was laid off from my 30-year career in advertising, one of my friends in the business said to me, "You'd better start networking!" I cringed when I heard that. Why? Well, for a couple of reasons:

First, I wasn't sure I wanted to stay in the advertising business any longer. And second, the whole idea of "networking" had always made me feel very uncomfortable. At the time, networking felt to me like something that only high-pressure salesmen did . . . you know, passing out their business cards right and left—often inappropriately.

However, as I began my new career as a spiritual author, speaker, and teacher, it didn't take me very long to realize that networking—if seen in the proper perspective—is actually an important part of living life in the divine flow.

Rarely, if ever, do you get anywhere in life completely on your own. Usually, you need the help of at least one other person to get where you want to go. In fact, quite often, the assistance of several people, or more, is required for you to reach your chosen destination.

When you tell the universe what it is you want to have, do, or be in life, you attract these people to you. The universe literally sends them your way to assist you in fulfilling your desire. These are people who have the leads, contacts, information, and inside scoop that you don't have. And, as part of your divine flow, they have been divinely inspired to share what they know with you . . . or, to direct you to others who might be of assistance to you . . . or, to take direct action themselves on your behalf.

When you recognize these people for who they are, or who they might be, and—with an open heart and an open mind—you engage them in conversation . . . isn't that networking?

Of course, like most anything, networking can be misused—especially when the relationship is one-side and you are just trying to "get something" from the other person. But when you enter into any relationship—even the briefest of encounters—seeking ways that the two of you can be of mutually beneficial service to each other . . . that's networking as it is divinely designed to be done.

Many of my speaking engagements have come about by just that kind of networking. The lovely house that Carol and I are now living in was the result of networking. And when my book is picked up and re-published by a major publishing house, I have no doubt that it will be because of networking. In fact, "out of the blue," several people have recently shown up in my life who are helping me manifest that very thing right now—without me even asking.

So, my friends, do you have a dream that you want to realize? Do you have a goal that you want to accomplish? Then, as my advertising friend said to me six years ago, "You'd better start networking!"

Or, as I am inclined to say: Pay attention to the people who come into your life, and treat them with the honor, respect, and gratitude they deserve as your brothers and sisters in spirit. Who knows . . . they may be divinely guided "angels" who have crossed your path for the sole purpose of helping you fulfill your heart's desires effortlessly.

With great appreciation for all the people who have been part of the divine flow in my life,

Steven

© 2007 by Steven Lane Taylor

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