The purpose of this Foreword is to share with you an amazing client that has been a member of Business Referrals Networking Group for five years. I recognized his leadership skills and “Active” listening qualifications at his first membership meeting. It’s no surprise to me after these many years that I would ask him to write the Foreword for my book, The Lighthouse Beams, Book Two, Historical Romance.
When you seek an individual to write your Foreword it should be from someone that knows you better than you know yourself. Hence, when I received this Foreword, I felt humble and was in awe with what was written. I am so proud to be able to include it in my book. Thank you, James O’Brien, NY Insurance Hub, Albany, NY.
FOREWORD
“Every once in a great while, you meet a person that stands out amongst the crowd, someone that has a positive impact on your life as well as many others. I met Bonnie Ausfeld several years ago via a cold call she made to my agency regarding her professional networking group. She introduced herself and started the conversation by stating “this is a cold call” which struck me as very unusual, but in wonderful way, an honesty that was unique and refreshing. I ultimately joined Bonnie’s networking group and through the years found that honesty, integrity, and communication are at the core of her being. I’ve witnessed and experienced her drive to educate and develop business professionals of diverse backgrounds and career experience, doing so for no monetary gain. I’ve come to realize that her drive to simply help others with nothing expected in return is an innate part of her nature.
For example, when Covid-19 initially devastated New York State and masks were scarce, she immediately got to work at her sewing machine making hundreds of masks for frontline workers, businesses, and people in need.
I’m not sure if Bonnie realizes it or would even admit to it, but she’s been a role model to me and so many others, not just in the sense of running a better business or career expansion, but in living life with integrity, honesty, drive, empathy, compassion, and purpose. In a world which at times appears to run in direct conflict with these vital principles, we are lucky to have her amongst us to shine the light on what truly matters. I feel very fortunate that Bonnie made that cold call to me several years ago, her light has helped me to become a better person.
When Bonnie said she was about to start writing novels I just knew that she would focus intently on creating incredible works. Her creative mind and storytelling abilities are remarkable. One of many lessons Bonnie teaches for professional development is the art of listening, observing, and reflecting, skills she uses every day. I could be wrong, but I believe these lifelong skills have helped her to gain a deep understanding of human nature, be it relating to business, socialization, or love.
Combining the elements of her creativity, storytelling abilities, and deep connection to human nature make Bonnie the perfect person to complete a work such as The Lighthouse Beams. I am sure that those who read this novel will come away thoroughly entertained with the story along with the theater which presents itself in their mind. Congratulations to “Bonnie the Beacon” on the completion of this work and we hope for many more to come.”
James O’Brien
NY Insurance Hub