If you ever visit Hartford, CT, you should stay at the Goodwin hotel. It’s a boutique hotel with 2 level suites and a very friendly staff, who go out of their way to please.
My presentation to the Real Estate Exchange was on Networking, with a focus on “clubbing with the boys,” very pertinent since the program took place in the famous Hartford Club, the meeting place of many state senators.
Women in Commercial Real Estate often find themselves being the “only woman” in the board room or as Sandra Fitzpatrick, from Land America, told me “the only woman on the golf course”. Sandra says golfing is a great way to bond with the men in her life. I have asked Sandra to comment further on her success in navigating a company that does due diligence for commercial real estate investors. The one thing I find all successful women have in common is that they are aware that networking is critical. They are as comfortable talking to their male counterparts about politics as about talking about their kid’s college application. One of the audience members made the excellent point that connecting others has been pivotal to his success. And indeed we can never underestimate the power of “paying it forward.”
After my talk, I rushed to the airport to see if I could get on the earlier flight. It looked hopeful…..I was first on the standby list. I was about to get my ticket issued when a very frantic Mr. X came rushing up to the counter. So, with 2 seconds to go I lost the chance to get home two and a half hours early. Has that ever happened to you? I was disproportionately crushed. I literally had to take a moment to regroup, which made me think of attitude, and how we let life’s setbacks, be they big or small, upset us.
So, I ask, what has happened or is happening to you that is disappointing, and how are you dealing with it?
I decided that I would use the time to write this blog, rather than drown my irritation in a margarita. So if there is something in your life right now that is not working out for you, how are you dealing with it? I know missing a flight is minor compared to most obstacles we all face, but the point I want to make is the momentary frustration and disappointment I felt reminded me of frequent disappointment that is so much part of the human condition and of Stephen Coveys words: 10 per cent of life is what happens and 90 per cent is how we deal with it.
Tomorrow I give a presentation to CREW ATLANTA…….I look forward to Hearing from you