Kindness...Givers Gain

     I was recently invited to a Business Networking International Meeting.  While I think it is an admirable program I don't think it is a good fit for me.  I am shocked at the cost of a membership, the small size of the group and it's platform.  I would recommend getting involved in a non-profit organization and begin networking from there.  This BNI organization is just like a Twitter Party, only in person.  Everyone walks around with their card and then at the end they "refer" each other to each other...all for only $350 per year, plus a $100 one-time processing fee and another $100 membership dues (I thought that was the $350 but apparently not).  Also you are required to do activities each month to accrue points.  You get points for referrals and one-on-one meetings with other members; bringing a guest gets points too.  Everyone in the room goes around and stands up for a 20 second "commercial" and I am not exaggerating.  I walked away with 2 things.  1.  People will pay for anything.  2.  Givers Gain.

     I say this because the premise of the idea is socially conscious and generous in spirit.  Basically it is built on the referrals.  So the more referrals you put out there for other people the more you gain by them sharing your name and area of expertise.  It is about working together to make a group of people successful.  The problem I have with it is that these people are motivated by money so they are charging money to make money.  If this motivated group of people focused on a charity and worked together for that cause, they would not only be helping the cause but also making the same connections and creating a sense of purpose and teamwork.  I feel like my $8 PTA membership and the contacts I make there and at scouts and anywhere else I volunteer are worth far more than a promise from 29 people that if they run into anyone wanting Scentsy they will give them my name.  I make these connections amidst a spirit of giving...not money but time, energy, intellect.  Giving for the improvement of the community.
     The director of the Kansas City area or district or region, said..."Givers Gain" and I like that.  I often remind myself how I want to live with tidbits of wisdom and this is one I will keep and reuse.  Givers do gain.  Another one I have picked up is..."Leave the woodpile a little higher than how you found it."  To me, this is a reminder to live above the line.  To be the person who picks up the trash in the parking lot instead of running over it.  The people who adopt pets from shelters instead of buying from a super-breeder.  The people who start businesses who are socially conscious and aim to leave this earth as intact as possible.  These are my people.  I want to be these people.