Friday, May 8, 2009

The (Residual) Power of the Network

I got this quote from a friend of mine who posted it on his Facebook page. "Wise people make complicated ideas seem simple, while foolish people make simple ideas seem complicated." Whoever spoke these words of wisdom, spot on... spot on.

Sometimes I really think people don't get the simple task of networking. Showing up, talking, listening (not hearing) and building relationships are all parts of networking. Most folks talk about what they are doing or what they are planning to get into. While this is good, many don't listen to each other, so it just becomes a battle of who seems to have more of a life or I.R.R. (Individuals Reaching for Relevance). Not a cool club.

While networking is cool, it's the residual power of this networking that makes all the difference. Case in point: you head out and meet someone at a bar or club, talk about your business and they talk about theirs. You find common ground and offer your services/advice to help their business. Later down the line, you get a call from someone who was referred to you with high regards by the person you met in the bar/club. See? Residual.

While networking is such a simple concept, we do tend to complicate it to the point that we end up over planning and underacting.

The beauty of networking is that you make a new ally. The beauty of the residual network is that others will speak on your behalf, creating a web of allies.

Try it. You'll be amazed at the results.

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