A single telephone is worthless. Who would you call? Who would call you? Add a second telephone to the equation and both become a lot more important. Add a million and everyone’s phone gains exceptional value.
In the same way, you can only accomplish so much alone. Partner with someone else, and your power more than doubles. Tie that into a network of many other people, and you can accomplish so much more.
Whether you are trying to achieve a small goal, solve a problem, or find a job, support from a network of people is vital to success. A support network eases the pressure, makes resources easier to find, and opens up unexpected opportunities.
There are just two important steps in creating a powerful network:
First, you have to “feed” it. That means you have to give back to your network. The more you share, the more you will get in return. Help other people in the network, provide information, and keep in touch.
Second, work hard to draw new people into your network, especially people that are not associated with you and your friends. The further a new member of your network is from your current one, the more likely they will bring new resources to yours. You will be tied into their larger network.
Approach people you wouldn’t normally think to turn to and tap into other non-traditional resources. If you don’t feel comfortable going to your math teacher with a question, ask your neighbor who is an accountant. If you see someone doing a job that you think is interesting, even if you have never spoken to them, introduce yourself and ask how they became involved in what they are doing and how they like it.
People love to talk about themselves, so ask lots of questions. You may get some help, but either way, you will draw someone new into your network, and you will have information you can share with others.
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