Cultivating Your Network

Why Create a Network?

Most people think of a network in terms of business connections. However, a network of like-minded individuals can be very effective and helpful in other areas of life. If your child is encountering learning issues or you simply want to sign them up for an athletic endeavor, knowing other parents who can connect you to trusted resources helps. If you are new to a community or a religious organization, a network can help you assimilate and feel welcome and comfortable more quickly. If you are a volunteer, a network can be invaluable in terms of reaching out and recruiting other willing volunteers rather than tapping the same circle of friends and family over and over again. So there are many reasons to enhance your circle of connections.

Certainly, building a circle of other professionals is probably the most common use of a network. Social media sites such as Linked-In and Facebook open us up to the idea of connections upon connections and how vast that network could be. The old six degrees of separation can mean thousands of potential contacts. But many people are not sure where to begin and how to build a network.

Set Your Intention

Before you take steps to begin enhancing your current network, take a few minutes to ponder what it is you want to accomplish? Are you looking for business development? Mentoring? A job for your boomerang child? Are you in Rotary, on a board or a committee and need the right help to execute your mission? Are you looking to get back in to the work force or earn a little income while staying close to home?

Next, start with who do you already know? Are you staying connected with them now? Have you lost touch? Did not need their assistance in the past but perhaps now it makes sense to rekindle a relationship?

Everyone knows at least 100 people so figuring out your intention is the first step to unlocking the power of your own set of connections and unlocking the connections in your network

Check back next week for more tips on connecting including how to stay organized, how to connect and stay connected.