Today my daughter went to a birthday party for one of her best buddies from daycare. The party was at a really cool new play place in my neighbourhood - it has only been open for a couple of months. I was really impressed by the space. I had been there when it was in its last incarnation. The beautiful grey-brown wood floors, play structures and many different reading and play nooks were a huge improvement.
I spotted a women in the office and thought I'd pop in and ask her about their fall programs. I was hoping to pick up a pamphlet with a schedule or something.
Instead I had a very nice conversation with one of the owners. She enthusiastically told me about all the interesting things happening in the fall, from language classes (several different languages), tai chi and yoga - all for kids (unfortunately). I could tell she was excited about the kids' choir as she pulled up the website of the choirmaster.
And then it happened so naturally. I said to her, "You know, if you need any help on your website or with your blog, that's what I do. I write and edit and do content management for websites." I gave her a bit of a spiel about my work experience, who I used to work for, what I did and what I'm doing now. Do you know what she said? "Oh my god, I have no time to write the blog. Can you please write it for me and can I just give you the content I need updated on the website and you can do it?" [These are not her exact words but captures the essence of what she said.]
We continued to talk about my fees ad her needs as we looked through her website. I told her I was starting out on my own and we ended our conversation talking about how great it is that we can help each other out - one business helping another. I guess that is how business works, or is supposed to work, but it gave me an unexpected sense of community. It would be wonderful to help out a great new business in my community - one that my neighbourhood really needs.
I'm guess I'll be the one taking my kids to birthday parties from now on.