Thursday, March 17, 2016

Get Out of a Rut: Build Four Kinds of Networks


              

In the movie Groundhog Day, a weatherman played by Bill Murray lives the same day over and over again. For some of us, each day can seem like that.  Same old. Same old.  Why not shake things up a bit?  Today is the perfect day for fresh goals and new tools. A good place to start is by taking stock of your professional networks and cultivating new contacts.

Think of it this way:  You have 4 Nets:

Your WorkNet helps you to get the job done. It includes everyone you work with directly, day-by-day, or periodically, to complete your own priority projects. It also includes clients/customers, partners, and vendors.

Your OrgNet helps you stay in touch with the big picture and contribute to the overall success of your organization. Your OrgNet is created by you.  It’s made up of people in other divisions, departments, and business units of the organization. This is an important Net because the network you create is far more complex, diverse, and useful than any organization chart.

Your ProNet helps you gain expertise and mastery in your chosen profession and provides   
opportunities to give back. Your ProNet is your network of professional contacts outside the organization you work for. 

Your LifeNet helps you create community, get the most out of life, and connect with, and contribute to, abundance for yourself and others. Your LifeNet is made up of all your friends, family, and leisure time contacts who bring you a wealth of information, support, and resources.

With these Nets, you can design new ways to expand your influence, find mentors, and get the job done.  Mix in your global ties and social media connections.  You can also build KeyNets, designed to help you with specific projects and goals. Whether you want to advance your career, or are looking for clients, or want more of a seat at the table in your organization, your connections can help you.  In today’s global and multi-faceted world, the possibilities are endless.

The Corporate Executive Board reports that almost 50% of an executives’ value to their organizations is now made up of their ability to use and contribute to the networks. So be strategic. Be intentional. Be persistent.  And be professional. 

—from Strategic Connections: The New Face of Networking in a Collaborative World (2015, AMACOM, NY) by Baber, Waymon, Alphonso, and Wylde, Principals at Contacts Count LLC, an international training firm that specializes in helping individuals and organizations put the tools of networking to work in the service of business and professional goals.  www.ContactsCount.com  

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