Project Exponential: Curated Networking Experiences

Michelle Welsch

I love to connect with people who are doing things “differently” – people who create different perspectives and then go do something about it. And… then I get to share them with others!

One person that I’ve been able connect with recently is Michelle Welsch, who’s got a new project called Project Exponential, and she’s got this neat viewpoint on developing curated communities that I really dig.

Here’s the general description:

Project Exponential examines the ways in which we connect and form relationships, both online and off. It recognizes those who triumph, who add something special to their world, who leave a trace of good in their wake.

My intent is to introduce people in unique environments, provide opportunity for inspiration and growth, and intersect industries with complementary goals. I want connections to be memorable.

I do this through curated networking experiences, working closely with clients to create meaningful events.

As a result of attending, it is my hope you will be inspired to contribute more, give more, question more, try more, fail more, succeed more, and be open to the connections around you.

I was able to connect with her through the internet and then meet up with her at one of Seth Godin’s last live events.

I decided to interview her and share her with my community here, since she’s the type of person that you’d like to rub shoulders with, both in the meat space and virtually.

Take a look at this community interview with Michelle Welsch:

1. Who are you? Where did you come from?

My name is Michelle. I came from a very winding, twisting road of criminal justice, corporate branding, and social media/tech to where I am today.

I was raised in a town called Longmont, Colorado (think: 4-H and a railroad that divides the town) but consider Boulder my home.

2. What projects are you working on now? What’s fascinating you?

Project Exponential manifests my passion for people and connection. I’m intrigued by the way we develop meaningful connections with the people around us, and I’m obsessed with interrupting the typical ways we form relationships.

I seek to bring together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise to create something magical. I like to think I delight people towards personal growth.

3. You’ve worked with Seth Godin. How’d that come about and what is that like?

So much of life is being in the right place at the right time and being ready for it. One of Seth’s biggest cries is “Pick yourself!”
I’d like to think I’ve done just that, creating opportunities for myself and pursuing them with equal vigor.

Seth is one of the most thoughtful, giving people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. It is nothing but true joy for me to amplify his work and look for creative ways to bring it to more people.

4. How has blogging been a part of your life? What’s it done and how’s it changed things?

Writing has always played an important role for me. I would often use writing in my therapeutic work with clients and praise it as a magnifying glass through which we can look at ourselves and the world around us.

Blogging has held me accountable and forces me to ship. Sometimes we get so caught up with penning the perfect phrase or finding an eloquent word that we get in our own way. By establishing a regular schedule, I am committed to putting ideas out into the world and giving up the notion that everything must always be perfectly crated.

5. How do you see online technology changing in the near future? What would you like to see happen?

I think we might see reverse trends. By reverse, I mean people using technology to reconnect with themselves, establish meaningful connections, and find balance in their lives. We have become inundated with volume.

I believe more and more consumers will start demanding quality, artisan work. I think technology can play a big role in ushering in a cherished movement of simplicity and meaning. We’ll just need stewards to lead the way.