Finding Meaning at a Book Signing

I had my second book signing on Thursday at Stone Rose Lounge.  It was a huge success.  There was a great turnout and we sold many books.  However, it was a note I received the following day that meant the most to me.  A woman building manager named Meredith whom I have known for several years had shown up at the event.  She commented to me how unusual it was for a “mover” (my day job) to also be an  author.  She marveled at the incongruity of it all.   I took the time to talk with her, and we had a nice connection.  The note stated how much she had enjoyed the signing event, and how it had inspired her to attend another event the same night and meet new people.  I was especially touched by the fact that the content of my book matters, and can actually help people.  Sometimes I focus more on the sheer number of attendees and books sold, but it is the individual people who are affected by the events, the material in the book, and that I am “walking the talk” that is important.   Networking is really about making that deeper connection and adding meaning to your life.  My book and signing event had a positive effect on Meredith’s life and made a difference.  That is what really inspires me to keep doing what I am doing.  Part of the purpose of these events is to allow people to connect with each other.  If I sell books in the process, that is good.  But what really matters are the relationships that develop, and if I can nurture that process, then my work has some value.