Religion Hawes

Thud…thud…thud. The flour, baking powder, and most importantly, the exuberant ingredient of the day combine. Suddenly, the humming machine finds solace in the still- it assuredly comes to a halt. A unique and wonderful concoction of bread is formulated. Behind the scenes, this recipe involved more than ingredients. It was shaped by the gears of networking tirelessly shifting. Networking is like a treasured recipe; weathered and worn. Stains overwhelm it, showing its well lived life. Growing richer over time, shaped by the hands of experience…a thousand asterisks containing love notes of how to make it, shaped from the trials and tribulations of many.

My great grandmother- Barbara Katherine Hawes, “Grandma Barbara”, had the power to fuse bread and networking seamlessly. Although starkly different, these two passions contribute to the beautiful, weathered recipe of her life.

Networking is “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.” Grandma Barbara did this through her fabric and alteration store. She would sit behind the register, mending fabric, creating bonds and connecting over bread “Why, how do you make it?” she’d ask customers- with a curious glint in her eye. Soon after, she’d go home and promptly begin making the bread that blended customers, family, and herself all into one new recipe. Those small interactions were fundamental to her becoming who she was meant to be; hence, the effect that networking has. Those interactions that she had- under the pretence of bread formed relationships and opportunities that have graced the family line. “80% of professionals find networking essential to their career success…” reports Apollo Technical… just like Grandma Barbara preached. 

The FBLA Code of Ethics states the commitment to “establishing and nurturing relationships based on trust.” It doesn’t specify what they may lead to, like the opportunity of meeting a kind boy at the State FBLA competition- who would lead to the expansion of my network- the fermentation of my bread concoction. That small interaction introduced me to a strong woman – who I see as a mentor and role-model – his mother. Over our shared walks and bundling up on the couch with coffee I did mending of my own. Bonding and chatting for hours on end. A meaningful mentorship was formed after giving one smile and making one joke. I was gifted a network which has left a stain on the recipe of my life. 

Networking has the power to expand your social circle; deepen connections, and grant you unexpected opportunities. Networking is powerful, so let yourself buy into it-make that joke, share a smile. Who knows where the relationships will lead you-and who would’ve known the secret ingredient in Grandma Barbaras bread was zucchini.