A strong network does not just happen. It takes a plan and a lot of work.
I like to think I am in pretty good physical shape and on the healthy side. To stay this way I have to work at it. I have made staying in shape a habit and it has become an integral part of my daily routine. I also need to push my limits to keep improving or I will fall behind a bit. It is not just being active but I need to eat the right foods and in the right quantities. All in all I feel pretty good and I know when I need to I can perform at my peak performance. We need to do the same things to keep our network strong and healthy so it is ready to perform when we have to use it.
Make It a Habit
Having a strong and healthy network takes continuous effort and attention. Our network will not take care of itself. We have to make keeping it healthy part of our daily routine. We need to be reaching out to our former coworkers and managers, former professors and classmates and our friends and family. It needs to become a habit and it needs to become part of our daily routine. Keeping in touch using tools like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter can make it easy to stay connected. The occasional coffee or lunch with key people can also strengthen our network.
Push our Limits
As with exercise if we just maintain our work out we tend to start falling behind a bit but when we push our limits we become stronger and in better shape. With our network we need to do the same. Going to networking events with a plan to build our connections with people we admire and respect. Reaching out to people we have lost contact with for whatever reason can reestablish a connection and lead us to others. Being active on committees, task forces or projects that stretch our skills and expose us to different people and disciples will expand the depth of our network. And like after a good work out you feel good about having accomplished something.
Feeding Our Network
As with feeding ourselves to stay healthy we need to feed our network to make it strong. A healthy network is one that is based on sharing. All the people in our network will have different skills, goals and objectives. We need to think of their needs and interests and feed them links and articles that they would find helpful. When people in our network need something we should be the first to step up and help out with information, introductions or referrals. As in keeping healthy we need to cut out certain things. In our network we should weed out those people that always ask but are not willing to give back. A strong network is made up of strong connections that run both ways.
A healthy network is a valuable thing to have and it is worth the effort to maintain and nurture. When we need to use it we want to know it can perform at peak performance.
What do you do to nurture your network? Let me know in the comment section.
John Toomey
Executive Coaching | Interim Management | Fractional Management | Board Leadership
Reach out today to add me as your one on one advisor to enhance your personal performance and that of your company. I can also fill that vacant position until it can be filled or join the team on a part-time basis to bring my set of skills and experience to your team. Energize your board by adding me as outside board member that has only your company’s interests in mind.
