A value-added network can be achieved through explicit actions to develop, expand, and promote trusted relationships. One successful example is Thomas Powers, the founder and chairman of ecademy, one of the largest UK-based business networks. His passion and commitment to networking compares to none; he is ranked among the top Business networkers in the world. Ecademy's philosophy is "Winning by Sharing", a theme of paramount importance. Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas, of Power Networking, define networking as: "networking is making links from people we know to people they know, in an organized way, for a specific purpose, while remaining committed to doing our part, expecting nothing in return."
So how can you add value to your network?
Strategy
Over the years my primary networking focus has been establishing contacts that provide valuable job search-related opportunities. More recently, I have expanded my focus to include promoting services and exploring Business opportunities. My networking strategies are simple - contact people and offer a mutually beneficial relationship through shared Business contacts, opportunities, and potential partnerships. By connecting people with potential for shared mutual benefits, I am delivering an important service and developing trusted relationships. This is extremely rewarding for me and seems to be greatly appreciated by those I have connected.
Developing a strategy will help you focus on developing your network effectively. Don't be afraid to change your approach frequently until it feels right and you are certain that it will serve your goals and objectives. The key driver is ongoing communications regarding mutual goals, interests, and opportunities, as well as expansion of your network.
Using established networking groups and on-line communities allows you to become linked to people all over the world. Nina Camp, an expert on the subject says, "Linkedin is the best business networking site - not social --which is attractive to Fortune 1000/500/100 Business executives. Recent additions to the site make interfacing more attractive. The ability to send a message from the site when accepting connections is a good new feature, along with the V Card download and the opportunity to endorse immediately." Linkedin,www.linkedin.com, is also my choice, and the on-line Business community I use most frequently. To grow your network, initially you may need to be proactive in contacting people who you would like to connect with, but as your contact list grows, people will seek you out and want to become part of your network.
Building network Contacts
While building your network, you will find that no matter how hard you work to establish relationships, a simple fact of human nature dictates that you will naturally hit it off with certain people, finding common goals, interests, and reasons to connect. This is not to say that you should give up on individuals less inclined to form a trusted relationship, but the amount of time you dedicate to such communications will define the potential for a successful
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