February 2008 - The Parklander Magazine

NETWORKINGWith A ConscienceBy Jacques Weisel“A CANDLE BRIGHTENS UP A ROOM ONLY BYLIGHTING ANOTHER CANDLE.”I have probably attended WIIFM networking groups for over 30 years.Those in the business world will recognize this as an acronym forWHAT’S IN IT FOR ME! About two years ago I joined a relativelynew networking group called PNA, also an acronym, representingPREMIER NETWORKING ALLIANCE. This is not your typicalensemble of men and women just looking out for themselves. The onlyway to join is to participate in several mandatory fund-raising affairs,with all the money being donated to charitable organizations as well asindividuals with major health issues. The quality of its membersoutshines those who merely attend these functions to get who/whatthey can out of them.They understand the importance of giving back tothe community, since many of them are supported by it.This is not your typicalensemble of men andwomen just looking outfor themselves.The organization was founded by an attorney who is now the Mayor ofCoral Springs, and its co-founder, a chiropractor. If you want to grow asan individual and are ready to give as well as receive, look into thisunique way of networking. As a direct result of my participation I havemade both new friends and new clients.The beauty of giving back as a volunteer has many benefits. Geriatricresearch has shown that men and women who volunteer their time andservices live an average of 7.6 years longer than the WIIFM crowd. Anice bonus.I believe there are three stages of life we all go through. The first isChronological, over which we have no control. The second is ourBiological life, over which we can assert a certain amount of control,only IF we are in charge of our Psychological life (the third stage).Studies show that by doing positive acts, one can delay the aging processsignificantly. Dr. Alfred Adler, pre-eminent psychologist, claimed thatvolunteering to help those in need for just two weeks, eliminated worry.The Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Albert Schweitzer put it this way, “Theonly ones among you who will be happy are those who will have soughtand found how to serve.”I believe that networking with a conscience is an idea worthy ofresearching.Jacques Weisel is a motivational speaker, sales and sales managementtrainer, supervisory and customer service facilitator. E-mail him atweisel@theparklander.com.the PARKLANDERAll fish quarantined5-7 days prior to sale.Highest qualityspecimen in the industry.knowledgeable staff.High end equipment.Tank Maintenance.121