Purpose

Purpose

December 15, 2011

Apologies, friends, I have been away from Coffee-Lunch-Coffee for nearly a week now simply due to lack of time.  Just like when my calendar takes over and disallows me from networking, I have regretted not being able to write and share networking insights with you.  The good news, I suppose, is that I have continued my networking efforts and hope that you will report the same from your neck of the woods.

In the hilarious, if slightly off-color, Broadway musical (er, puppet show?), “Avenue Q,” the main character, Princeton, spends the entire show seeking his purpose.  He sings:

Purpose.  It’s that little flame that lights a fire under your ass.  Purpose, it keeps you going strong like a car with a full tank of gas.  Everyone has a purpose.  So what’s mine? 

For me, I’m not convinced that I serve just one purpose.  I know that I seek to be the best mother, wife, daughter possible and to enrich the lives of my family and friends who I love so much.  As the leader of an organization, I aim to guide the company to financial success, all the while ensuring that my team members have fulfilling, meaningful professional experiences.  For our customers, my hope is that our products and services help to grow economies and improve lives on a global scale.  In the community, I aim to give back in a way that “teaches a man to fish,” and leaves the world a little bit better off.  For you, dear reader, I put pen to paper several times per week intent on helping you on your professional journey by sharing information, insights and experiences that I have personally encountered and benefitted from through my networking efforts.

Princeton continues with his song:

I don’t know how I know, but I’m going to find my purpose.  I don’t know where I’m gonna look, but I’m gonna find my purpose.  Gotta find out, don’t wanna wait!  Got to make sure that my life will be great!  Gotta find my purpose before it’s too late.

So… I ask you, what’s your purpose?   Do tell.  Do you know where to look, where to find it?  Take a moment to write down a few thoughts.   Stumped?  As your spouse or partner, as your mother, ask your best friend, ask your colleague, ask your personal trainer.  Find out from those around you what it is that you bring to their lives – what gifts do you have to share with the world that you should be capitalizing on both personally and professionally.  Be prepared to talk with your networking contacts about your purpose – ask them about theirs.  Be sure that you are engaging in meaningful conversations through networking that will propel you and your contacts forward on your respective paths.

When I return, I’ll share with you what I see as the purpose of great customer service.  Until then, keep singing.