Last week we talked about the value and purpose of a network. The point of networking is to build a community; a group of people who best represent who you are and can help you grow as an individual. 

Our network should be designed to motivate us, get us moving and help us be successful. 

We all have a network in place. And a good network is powerful. Each person we know in turn knows many others. Each person in our network is in a position to recommend us to other people. They are our personal PR team - focused on laying the groundwork for a good introduction. 

You’d be amazed at who your network knows. When I chat with my network, I learn that they know professional athletes, actors, senior business executives and entrepreneurs. Think for a moment about the most impressive people you know. Now think about how each of them can help each other. 

Knowing people is “nice.” But what about when you need something? How do you leverage the expertise in your network to help you get to another level? The details are simple: focus on being both intentional and specific. 

In order to make a request of anyone in our network, we have to be intentional in laying the “groundwork” for the ask. Leveraging any relationship requires equity. Don’t expect people to move mountains for you when you just meet them. There needs to be a mutual respect and understanding of how people can help you. We like to help people if they can help us as well. 

When making your ask, be specific. Your network needs to understand how to help you. Have you properly articulated to others the details of what you are looking for? Your growth, and accomplishment, is significantly easier if other people can speak for you. Eliminate your acronyms, speak in plain detail, and most of your work will be done for you. 

Finally, be open to new ways of thinking. Again - your network is a phenomenal representation of who you are. And you need people who think differently to challenge your best self. If your network isn’t getting you to think differently about your business, or who you are, then work needs to be done in finding those different perspectives. Why include anyone in your network that doesn’t challenge the way you think? 

We are a result of the people closest to us. We want to help other people. Pick your network well, and they will make your life, business, choices and growth that much easier. 

Happy week - enjoy it. For those in the States - have a tremendous Thanksgiving. And if there is anyone I can help network - just reach out!