On the eve of the official incorporation of our business (exciting, I know!), MJ Tam, a new friend and fabulous Chicagonista, posed an interesting question to me:
“What genuine, positive connections have you had on your social networks?”
As I sat on the 22 bus this morning, on my way to meet Crister Delacruz for the first time, I pondered the answer to that question. Social networks have impacted my life in so many different ways. They’ve helped me connect with Chicago locals since moving to the city just under a year ago.
They helped me land my first job out of college at “The Agency.” And most recently, they have brought some of the most amazing, supportive, intelligent and creative people into my life – and Jenn’s life, too. In the week and a half since we’ve launched our blog, many people have gone from “Twitter handles” to close confidantes and supporters – the cheerleaders that have helped remind us we made the right decision leaving our secure 9-5 jobs to pursue something we’re passionate about – launching our own business.
Case in point – Crister Delacruz. Until four days ago, I had never heard her name, seen her face or crossed her path. Today, Jenn and I both can say she is one of the most genuine, energetic and intelligent women we have ever had the pleasure of meeting – and who we most likely will consider a close friend and mentor for years to come. Without Twitter, I probably wouldn’t have ever met Crister, our paths likely never crossing in real life.
Luckily, something about each other’s 140 character bios intrigued us both, and pushed us into a dialogue about our lives and the crazy adventures we are both currently pursuing. Many excited DMs later, a coffee date was set for this morning. Three hours, two coffees, one juice and countless passionate stories later, Crister, Jenn and I left Starbucks with large smiles and the knowledge that we had formed a genuine relationship out of a tweet.
Crister, Jenn and me right before leaving the coffee shop this morning – fabulous new friends.
This isn’t the first time this has happened. Last week, Jenn and I officially met MJ Tam, Nancy Loo, Beth Rosen and Duong Sheahan – all figures we’ve admired online for months. In person, they were just as caring and passionate as they appeared online and the relationships we formed that day have continued through Twitter and other social networks. Like our coffee date with Crister, we likely would not have known about or met with these incredible women if we had not first connected online.
So what does this have to do with launching our own business? Everything. Absolutely everything. Today, Crister provided Jenn and I with a plethora of advice, stemming from years of experience in healthcare PR. She also shared with us plans to specialize and start her own business. We brainstormed, ideated and laughed during those three hours – and left with not only a friend, but also an advocate for our business. Crister made one particularly powerful statement to Jenn and me during our coffee date:
“When you have bad days – and you will – days when you doubt what you’re doing or feel down about a business circumstance – call me. Whether it’s two in the afternoon or two in the morning, call me. I will bring you back to this place you’re at now – I will pump you up and remind you of the positive energy you both possess. I support you 100%.”
Wow. Just think about the power of those words. When was the last time someone has told you they support you and will help carry you when you’re down? That they believe in you and what you are doing – and will help you accomplish your dreams? Who was that person? A family member? A best friend since grade school? Or someone you connected with through a social network?
I think more and more people, especially women, could claim the last. Please let me be the first to clarify that I have the most amazing family and friends in the world, who champion me and support me through everything I do. The astounding part is that I have now found a new support system in the eight months since I’ve moved here: a Chicago family – one that grows everyday, often through relationships that began online and transformed into real life friendships that mean the world to me.
Moving forward with our ventures, these relationships will not only help us garner new business and find new projects to be involved with, they will remain close friends and support systems. They will help us achieve our goals, just as we will do everything in our power to help them achieve theirs.
Who are the people in your life that help you achieve your goals? How did you meet them and what communication tools do you use to stay in touch? Have you made a genuine connection with someone online that has impacted your life?
This post was originally on http://pursuingourpassion.com by Jill Felska; co-founder of ChiPassionistas. Thank you for sharing with readers of Digital Girlfriends.
