Networking is a building process. It doesn't happen overnight. It happens over a lifetime. The steps you take when building a home can be related to the steps you take for building your network. The home building process starts with a set of plans which include a site plan, foundation details, floor plan, framing details, wiring and plumbing details, and even landscaping for the finished project. Similarly your networking process starts with a plan that includes how to build a foundation of contacts, create a communication structure, and insulate your network with strong relationships.
The Floor Plan
Just as a floor plan provides the layout and dimensions for a home, a life plan provides focus and direction for building your network. Life can either happen to you or you can chart your own course. Uncover those forgotten dreams and design your own life. Take time to reflect on what's important. What do you want to accomplish professionally? What state of health do you desire for yourself 10, 20, 30 years in the future? What hobbies or sports do you want to learn? What values are important to you? In what way do you want your relationships to grow over the years? Clear goals and a well-thought out life plan contribute to things happening more easily and quickly in your life.
Don't wait until you need something to find certain people or resources for your network. You have to think ahead of time about what kind of house you want. Do you need room for a growing family or is it time to scale down for your upcoming retirement years? Do you like having a house that's private or maybe you like lots of windows and light? Do you want a place that's comfortable as well as good for entertaining? These are just a few of the many questions you might ask yourself when building your ideal home.
To build the ideal network you must also think ahead and plan. The ideal network includes people from all areas of your life: career, financial, health, recreation, personal development, spiritual development, and family. Does your network grow and diversify according to the interests and changes going on in your life? Have you developed your network so that future goals and needs are planned? Do you have a network that provides you with both inspiration and comfort? What are the things you want and need in your life?
Design a network that includes people with similar careers, hobbies, and interests; people who inspire you, comfort you, and challenge you. Give the same thought to your network that you give to your home because your network will be with you always. Creating a plan, goals, and direction can make the building process much easier and quicker and the result beautiful and rewarding.
The Foundation
The foundation of your network is you. You are the core, the center and everything radiates out from you. Your networking is influenced by your attitude, your people skills, and your ability to connect and relate to others. Your strength and self-confidence are instrumental in your ability to reach out to others in a way that makes things happen.
To maintain a strong foundation means giving time and attention to yourself. Include in your schedule those things that nurture you mentally, spiritually, and physically. You are your greatest resource. Take good care of yourself. Be gentle and strong with yourself. Believe in your abilities. Take inventory of your strengths, skills, and accomplishments on a regular basis so that you stay strong in who you are. Take good care of yourself and you will be a source of strength as you nurture and grow your network.
The Framework
The framework of your network is your communication system. If there are no means of communication and no conversations then there is no network for networking happens through conversation. Your communication framework is twofold C it includes your means of communication and the actual words you communicate.
Your means of communication can include everything from phone calls, voice mail, notes, letters, faxes, e-mail, and internet. All of these communication tools can help you keep the communication flowing more regularly through the many links of your network. There must be a system for communicating, being in touch, sharing and exchanging information.
Obviously having all the communication tools available is great, however, what is of key importance is what you way, how you say it, and that you interact on a regular basis to keep the communication lines open. Call people to ask for support, offer support, see how they're doing, pass along information. Don't wait until you have an urgent need or a significant reason to call. Call to keep the communication lines open.
The Insulation
You insulate your network by developing layers of contacts and depth in your relationships. Your core network includes those people closest to you - the people you know you could call on anytime and they'll be there for you. Beyond your core network are levels of contacts - everything from mere acquaintances to long-term clients to life-time neighbors. By creating levels of contacts you build a broad, diverse network that provides you broader, quicker access to information and opportunities.
Depth in your network also comes from creating strong, lasting relationships. Pay attention to the people in your network. The level of trust, rapport, and comfort you have with people influences how easily and naturally networking can happen throughout your life.
The Wiring and Plumbing
The wiring and plumbing in your home must be done just right, inspected, and approved for everything to operate efficiently and safely. In networking it is appropriate communication and proper etiquette that insures safety and efficiency in your network. Appropriate communication includes knowing when to ask, how to ask, when to back off, and how to listen. You have the power to connect, encourage, and relate to others through your people skills. You can empower or discourage. You can connect or intimidate. Through connecting and empowering you will build safety and trust throughout your network.
Furnishing and Maintaining
Of course building the house is just the start because then it is a matter of furnishing it and maintaining it. Furnish your home with things you love and enjoy. The finishing touches are what make a home attractive. Your home must be appealing to your sight and senses so that you will enjoy your time there. Your network as well must ideally be a place that inspires and nourishes you. Fill it with people of like-mind, kindred spirits, people who are beautiful in your eyes. Network with people you like, trust, and enjoy spending time with.
And then there is the regular maintenance required so that your home will continue to be beautiful, functional, and enjoyable. Networking is also an on-going process of maintaining your contacts, rebuilding certain connections, cleaning up communication lines, and continually developing your people skills. With regular maintenance your network will grow tenfold in it's depth, size, and results.
Networking is a building process and over time it can become easier and more rewarding. Each part of the process is vital and important to the overall value and results that can be produced. The foundation is you and a strong sense of self. The framing is your communication system. The insulation is the trust and rapport you develop within the many layers of your network. The wiring and plumbing includes the etiquette that ensures respect and empowerment in your interactions. The furnishings and maintenance help you create a network you can enjoy and cherish for a lifetime.
Not everyone can build a home. Yet everyone can and must build their own network. Your network is your dream home C the environment you create for your life C your support system for fulfilling your dreams. Whatever your dream home is you can build it with the right floor plan, framing, wiring, plumbing, and insulation. Whatever your life dreams and desires are you can have them with a strong sense of self, clear goals, a broad and diverse network. You are the builder of your life support system. Make it strong and beautiful!
