Last year I booked an end-of-the-year trip to Costa Rica for my wife and me. We had found a quaint and rustic place that looked great and had good reviews in the guidebooks.
Two weeks before our departure, I decided to visit TripAdvisor.com to get some insight into our destination. After reading four comments, I became very worried. In the past few months, it seemed, our vacation spot had gone downhill. I started to panic. I wondered what I could do to ensure my wife and I had a great time. Then I recalled all of the stories about the EO network!
I logged on to the Global Web site and found the President of the Costa Rica chapter. I e-mailed him my story and expressed my concerns, hoping he could shed some light on what we could do. He responded immediately, and I was connected to another member who owns a travel agency. Less than 36 hours later, I confirmed a reservation at one of the best places on the Pacific coast!
We just returned from the trip, and it was wonderful, to say the least. We stayed in a beautiful location, and the beach was only 10 feet from our back door. Everything went smoothly, and it was all very enjoyable. It wouldn't have happened without the help of my EO peers!
My perception of the value of the EO network has been raised as a result of this experience. I see the regular e-mails in our chapter asking for input and help, and I've been impressed by the local network. To some extent, I have experience with the US network through Universities, but this was by far the most impressive network experience I have had.
I was lucky to have connected with EO peers, and I now find myself thinking of bigger challenges to pose to the EO network. Also, I am eager to give back to my EO peers in the same fashion. I know how helpful other members were when I needed them, so hopefully I can be of assistance in the future.
Leverage the network. It's got juice.