NOLA helps you back

I'm getting better, I'm a few days ahead of this one.

I do this thing...uh...I never know how to describe it, some people call it a networking group, some call it coaching, I tend to go with a career counseling group. It's different than anything else I know of in any of those veins, though.

Penelope Brackett is a Life Coach (Eyes front private, I know that phrase makes you uncomfortable but she's not like that! No, for real, she's not. She is a fan of practical action and forward motion starting with your skills and desires and moving toward those lofty aspirations you keep hiding under the bed.)

Twice a year (or maybe thrice, I can't remember) she has a big networking brunch. (Hey! It's just a word! It doesn't mean what you think it means. I'd paraphrase you her fabulous net of people catching you when you stumble speech but I can't do it justice. And that is why you have to come to this brunch. I'm pretty sure she'll do the net speech.) This half year's brunch is this coming Saturday (details at the bottom of this missive).

However, this time it's personal! Well, even more personal than usual. PB is from New Orleans and has developed a fabulous initiative called Party it Forward, to help with the reconstruction along the Gulf Coast. Saturday's brunch proceeds will go to helping that effort.

What to expect? Well, I think there are instructions here. But I'll tell you how it goes. The first hour or so is mingling and chatting and meeting people. As a special treat this time there will be music from NOLA and PB is faxing New Orleans cuisine recipes to the restaurant so the food will be fun, too. Then everyone sits down and we go around the room and briefly (2 minute limit, you will be timed...but kindly) let everyone know who you are, what you do, you offer one gift and make one request. The gift can be offering to help organize people's closets or fix their resumes or find the silver lining in whatever cloud they bring you. The request can be for names of schools to sell your show to or names of agents for your playwrighting or a lead on a free rehearsal space (Look how I identified 3 requests just for me, me me!)

Not only does this always (seriously always) get you at least one thing that you've been looking for, it also gives you openings for talking to and meeting new people because they have just told you their interests. Brilliant!

So come do yourself good all for the good of the Gulf Coast. No, please come, sit by me. That whole first hour where I don't know anyone actually makes me want to puke with fear so it'd be really nice to have some company (Not puking company, company for...well, you know what I mean, company.)


The Creative Seed and Party it Forward invite you to:
Share the Wealth New Orleans Networking Brunch & Benefit

Saturday, October 22, 2005 12:30pm
1050 Restaurant, NYC
10th Avenue & 50th Street

All proceeds go to Hurricanes Katrina & Rita relief
(Habitat for Humanity & Save Our South)