Let's Get Creative about building the Network

[David Sandusky]

In many blogs/forums and associated groups (on and offline), I have seen common themes about networking challenges or frustrations.

Most frustrations fall under these categories:

1. So and so does not get back with me or blows me off.
2. How do I get noticed?

The reality is most see networking as a project during a time of need. Therefore, there is fear and urgency. That is scary, I understand. Especially when you need a job or close more deals/sales to survive. Those starting the game recently wonder why it takes so long. They also wonder why people will not help them. Well, you should have been connecting and adding value to a growing personal network before. So you have not, let's move on...you have started, don't stop. Don't stop connecting and adding value when your "project" is complete.

So here it goes: I know I must continue networking, you say, but you don't. Don't be that person that re-engages with your contacts now that you are back on the market. Here is the other one: I am too busy to keep networking. Keep this in mind, the connector you want to be is just as busy -they value and plan for connection time and are responsive in relationships. Okay one more: I am shy or don't like networking and don't know what to say/do. Very common.

Let's get creative about building the network

Here is where you get to share your ideas and add value! I will start: LinkedIn and other targeted networking groups on and offline have been beneficial for me. But what has really worked is the relationships built and growing through community involvement, monthly breakfast or lunch with groups of friends, exercising in some form with friends, etc. A few of my relationships are more likely to be found on a walk then at Starbucks. What is common here is real conversations and ultimately connections based on character and trust. Never eat alone - you don't need to dine out all the time, organize a brown bag lunch and meet in a conference room or on a park bench - do this once a month with the same and growing group. Another benefit from applying many forms of networking activity is you start to be seen elsewhere and become recognizable, especially if you are the organizer/leader - on and offline. You will be surprised that the time can be found and is valuable as part of your career regimen. Like brushing your teeth. If you are asking yourself, some of this does not look like networking - good, go with that.

What are you doing to provide resources and get people together? Share here and who knows, you might get other ideas as well as new participants in your current activity!

[thubten]

Scott DeGraffenreid, the foremost scholar in the area of Social Network Architecting, has spoken widely on how to keep one's network open. Closed networks are found all over in society. A family can be a closed network, where no one shares with a family member about anyone outside the family. A church or synagogue can also be a typical closed network. The networking here takes the form of only doing and/or referring business within that group.

Closed networking is a natural phenomenon. We want to feel comfortable and deal only with people we know. The danger here is that in the closed network, incestuous relationships are often fostered, and no new information, no new blood, is introduced and the network becomes stagnant, its gene pool becomes very shallow. With an open network, people bring in new life. I may have two completely separate networks for which I'm the hub, introducing members of each network to members of the other.

Open networking takes practice and patience. When I'm introducing people from my network of Tibetan Buddhist friends to members of my LinkedIn network, or IBI network, there can be sparks. They speak different business and networking languages, but it all works out. Expanding my network by joining others' networks allows for the members of my current networks to access each other. Everybody wins.

While Scott has not yet published his book about Open Networking, he has published a book on the NUDE Model, which details how to build a referral business through four metrics: Novelty, Utility, Dependability, Economy.

[David Sandusky]

Thanks for the insight and resource to social networking by way of Scott DeGraffenreid. This links provided did not work so I am posting the main or home page from where Thubten was sharing. Poke around the site, blog, etc. of Necessary Measures.