No network, no roots, no reach

Consider a tree for a moment, says author and speaker, Joyce Meyer.

As beautiful as trees are to look at, we don't see what goes on underground - as they grow roots. Trees must develop deep roots in order to grow strong and produce their beauty. But we don't see the roots. We just see and enjoy the beauty. In much the same way, what goes on inside of us is like the roots of a tree.
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In the same way, we often only see the progress and successes of a business owner while the many people who support, encourage and root for us, remain hidden underground.

In this TED Talk by forest ecologist Suzanne Simard, she explains that a forest is much more than what we see. Her 30 years of research in Canadian forests have led to an astounding discovery — that trees have a social life and that trees talk, often and over vast distances. 
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Suzanne's discovery relates to a previous blog post in which I referred to the vast root system which nourishes and supports my tree (me personally as well as my business) to do what this tree is meant to do – provide shelter and stillness to stressed and hurting clients, provide the food and shelter Martin, the brakkies and I require and most of all give meaning to my life.

While the taproot of my tree is made up of my life experiences, my learning, my achievements and failures, the lateral root system is my inter-relatedness with the rest of the world.

It connects me to and open channels of communication with other trees.

Other people whether they are clients or colleagues or those close to me, provide resources, support, knowledge and love. These are the people who make it possible for me and my business to thrive.  

But connectedness is a two-way street. It also offers me an opportunity to give and support in return.

Today I want to express my gratitude for this root system which nourishes my tree. And there is one particular secondary root that I want to highlight namely the networking groups I belong to.

To the Xtraordinary Women and business buddies in Collaborative Effort, thank you for your encouragement, your interaction at meetings, over coffee and on social media.

But most of all thank you for taking the time to publicly recommend my services by way of recommendations and testimonials.
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These are the substances that provide nourishment and help me grow. 

David Miliband: My favourite poem is called 'Roots and Wings' - it's a very moving poem about how if you've got real roots you can fly. 

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​PS. This is my blogpost for Day Four of the 7 Day Bizblog Challenge  put out by South African Business & Blogger Tribe and Sam Posselt, Speaker of Hashtags #rsabizblogs

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