OWA Unplugged 2024: From Networking To Connection
This past year I have been on a journey, working to expand my network, experimenting with different ways to grow both personally and professionally. I started simply with LinkedIn, following interesting people, engaging in topics and conversations, while sending a few invites here and there. It was a place to start but I soon found it to be a community as fragmented as my numerous interests, and honestly not entirely meaningful in a way that builds individual relationships.
This led me to wonder — is it possible to move from networking to real connection?
To me, networking is making a contact, like I might at an event saying, "Hi I'm Maria and I work in marketing" versus connecting with an individual by saying, "I am struggling with aspects of my role and really need some perspective." Connection requires a level of trust.
A woman in my developing network suggested that I join an OWA committee. They felt that it could help me to meet regularly, with a defined group that was driven by purpose. A few weeks later I joined the Communications & Website Committee, writing and editing blog posts. That set me up with a more in depth and now working relationship with professional women, united by our contributions to the same project. I was starting to feel the satisfaction of shared purpose with the group, but it still lacked the substance of individual connection.
At that time, the annual OWA Unplugged Retreat was nearing. Could I commit to a weekend away, that would put me square into a group of professional women in the industry, devoid of digital distractions, work messages and family obligations? I would have no idea of who would attend or if I knew any of them (I did not). However, there comes a point in any journey that you likely need to make a choice to try something new, uncomfortable, or unexpected to move forward. Not every step is easy. This one was a leap for me. I have little retreat experience unless I counted summer camp as a pre-teen.
Attending the OWA Unplugged Retreat turned out to be the catalyst that moved me from networking to connecting. My apprehension quickly dissolved as I met other women attending who were from all facets of the industry, all ages, and all levels of experience. This brought rich and diverse perspectives as we spent the weekend together.
Discussing our stories, gaining insights and ideas from others, sharing our aspirations, and airing our fears, solidified my belief that people thrive with community. It is out of the positive communities you surround yourself with that can come inspiration, new and unexpected connections and a level of confidence that was previously unattainable.
As the weekend wrapped up, I realized that I had established connections with many of the women — not just because I attended the retreat, but because true connection requires a level of both trust and surrender. You have to be willing to offer a part of your ideas, your experiences, and to a certain degree — your comfort, so that others can see past the surface and peer deeper into your values and feel community themselves.
Connection is not something that you simply get by virtue of being with others, rather it is the result of individuals committed to both giving and receiving without the pressure to conform and sacrifice their authentic selves.
Connection was my reason for attending — I am sure others had their own reasons. What would your reason be, and would you commit to attending? If so, maybe we will connect next year. I am looking forward to it.
Written by: Maria Petruccelli
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