The Importance of Networks
by Kevin Eikenberry
Imagine yourself on the highwire, walking confidently across, focused and successful. Now step back and look at that picture. In order to have that confidence and success, what is necessary (besides skill and experience)? A net! None of us can work without a net, and, like the person on the highwire, the bigger and better connected the net, the more successful and confident weÃll be. How is your net working?
Tending and building your personal network is like tending your garden, you will only reap what you sow. If you donÃt pay any attention to your garden, weeds will grow up, causing your harvest to be reduced. Preserving and building your network requires an investment, just like your garden.
Consider the boomerang . . . What you send out will come back, somehow, someway!
You may be saying, I donÃt have a need for a big network, IÃm not in sales, or I donÃt own my company. I think youÃre wrong! Consider these facts:
- 70% of jobs are filled through a network.
- Networking can save time and energy in getting things done.
- Networking is a way for us to help other people reach their goals.
- Networking is a way for us to reach our own goals more quickly.
WeÃve all seen it happen, someone calls us, or offers us something, just as we need it. And we may be confused as to how this person knew, or how they even knew who we were. The answer? Your network. Somewhere along the way, you did something to help someone, and in sowing that, you were able to reap later. ItÃs like a the boomerang. When you throw it, you know it will come back. But you donÃt always know how or when. How do we nurture and grow our network, how do we sow, so that we can reap later? Here are some thoughts, followed by some specific ideas.
HowÃs your net working?
Truly effective networking is a process of mutual benefit. If you focus your attention on how you can help the other person, on the relationship itself, youÃll be heading the right direction. Remember that the key is your intent. If your intent is to serve and help the others in your network, then you will get the boomerang back… with interest!
Two suggestions. Two things you can do this week (today!) To build and strengthen your network.
- Say thank you! More specifically, make a note to send three thank you notes this week. Send them for small or large things. Send one even if itÃs way overdue. Hand write them! Put it on your calendar. Do it every week.
- When talking to others, ask yourself “How can I help?” Is there a person you can recommend, a resource they might find useful, a book you know of? Is there any way you can think of to help? Asking yourself this question will make you a powerful networker.
These suggestions and this mindset will strengthen and grow your network. Is that important? Only if youÃd like more confidence and success.
(c) Copyright 1997, the Discian Group. All rights reserved. Kevin Eikenberry is a speaker, trainer, author, and President of the Discian Group – a learning consulting company. He authors a monthly article on learning from life’s events called Vantagepoints.If you liked this article, you can read more or subscribe for free.
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