Do you ever wonder why a series of related events seem to converge at about the same time? It is funny how life can unfold. I experienced one of those convergences this week.
I can’t remember the exact date when I last saw Tom. I know it’s been at least three years, maybe more. I remember that it was a networking event over scotch and cigars at Prohibition, a popular watering hole in Buckhead. As I’ve said before, my favorite way to conduct business is in a relaxed atmosphere, with a fine cigar and a cocktail. Indeed, Tom and I have that in common.
I first came to know Tom someplace around 2005. We were both members of the Marietta Chamber of Commerce and the Georgian Club. He owned a business that supported network systems and all things IT related. He’s always been an active net-worker, facilitating multiple groups, and participating in others.
Fortunately, I have remained on Tom‘s mailing list, following his activities even if I haven’t been able to participate. We are connected on LinkedIn, so it wasn’t much of a surprise when he reached out to me this week. I was delighted to hear from him as he was on my call list too. We agreed to meet on Thursday evening at Cigar City Club in Sandy Springs.
Cigar City is another of my favorite places because of its location and ambiance. Even though I visit Cigar City just a few times each year, I am never disappointed. On the other hand, Tom is a regular. In fact, he has his own perch. He knows everyone at the club and they know him. That comes as no surprise as Tom knows everyone in Atlanta. At least it seems that he does. He’s just that kinda guy, smart, affable, and very engaging.
We arrived at the same time, chose our cigars, ordered drinks, and planted ourselves in Tom‘s favorite spot on the patio. As one could imagine we had a lot of catching up to do, beginning with an update on our businesses. Tom said that business was good but could always be better. I said, “I can relate to that.” He went on to say that he’s concerned that he may lose his largest account due to its acquisition. That would be a big blow to his business. He told me about some personal issues which required him to dial back his networking activities and that his groups had run their course. Now he is motivated to re-engage. Well, I knew had the solution to his situation.
I thanked Tom for reaching out to me, as I had a lot of news for him as well. I began with the expansion of my business to support freelance consultants and that I was facilitating the Atlanta Chapter of the Business Executives Networking Group (BENG). It was about that time that Tom‘s girlfriend arrived, adding a whole new dynamic to the discussion.
She is also in the IT field, doing project management work for a large global manufacturer with offices in Atlanta. After she made her introduction, Tom told her that she needed to hear about ITB Partners. That led to a very productive and interesting exchange, so much so that it even peaked Tom‘s interest.
When the business updates were behind us, the evening turned to talk about personal interests and opportunities. Before I knew it, it was past 8 o’clock, time to make my exit. If I had any less discipline I could easily have fired up another cigar and ordered my third cocktail. If I had done so, I probably would have needed an Uber driver to take me home, resulting in a wasted Friday. As I had a 9:00 a.m. coffee meeting, which was rescheduled from the original meeting last week, self-control was required.
Thanks to my timely departure I was able to make Friday’s coffee meeting. My appointment was with a gentleman I met at the August BENG meeting. A Scrum Master with impeccable credentials, he has been in job search since the beginning of the year. As we talked about his career interests and how I might be helpful, I reflected on the prior evening with Tom and his girlfriend. Everything came together. They would be excellent contacts! Convergence.
The older I become, the less I believe in coincidences.
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