Networking Adds Value For All

A network is not a mine from which you remove everything of value.
It is more a rich soil of potential which must be cared for.

In the past, movers and shakers went to events to collect as many business cards as possible so they could follow up later, squeezing potential business out of those connections. Business card filing systems were available and people carried vinyl folders full of those cards with them as a personal directory. Then we started scanning them in so as to have electronic versions.

Now we have Facebook & Twitter and "she who has the most friends or followers wins!

Thought Leader's originator, Matt Church writes on quality networks:

It is no longer enough to be the most connected person in your field. The data deluge and information overload we all experience has increased the demand for quality. I have no idea what the future of FaceBook or Twitter is, or even what's around the corner. What I do know is this… a quality network is more valuable than a large one over the long term.

When I created Thought Leaders in 2001, it was driven by a double need. Firstly, the need to improve the quality of my thinking and secondly, to improve the quality of my connections. Henry Ford said that you should surround yourself with people smarter than you and get out of their way. This has certainly been my experience. Indeed the quality of my network is directly proportional to my personal growth. Better thinking leads to better conversations. From there, anything is possible.

Here are some ideas for building a quality network...

• Meet with people live
  
• Present at gatherings
  
• Hand write notes
  
• Care a bit about their world
  
• Grow and learn
  
• Meet and share
  
• Discuss ideas not people
  
• Be your best value in the relationship
  
• Stay in touch
  

Quality networking is about who you're talking to and more importantly, what you are talking about. Network with intent. Hang out with smart people. Add enormous value to the conversation and their world. It's not just who you know that‘s important anymore, it's also what they know. It's the convergence of networks and knowledge that matter now. - Matt Church

Networking is a vital component of life, no matter what you may call it. My brother has a network of guys he can call on when he needs a part for a car he's restoring or a job for a friend. My dad has traded favours for years and everyone is richer for the give and take of help, advice or an extra hand in the job. My friends in education and ministry value the open door to colleagues in other organisations with whom they can swap ideas, contacts, experience and advice. I know business people who know just who to call for input or involvement in new initiatives.

Remember stories of women gathering at the well or men round
the fire or at the pub? Forms of primitive networking, I'd say.

One of the keys to growing and maintaining a healthy network is that, in the give and take of it all, everyone has a sense of value. If you ask more than you give, you might find the calls are no longer answered or returned. A network is not a mine from which you remove everything of value. It is more a rich soil of potential which must be cared for.

If Facebook & Twitter are social networking, what would we call
life enriching networking for the exchange of ideas, value and justice?