Networking – Getting it Right!

Metcalf’s Law (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metcalf) fascinates me. It states that the value of a telecommunications network is proportional to the square of the number of connected users of the system (n²).

• Metcalf’s Law (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metcalf) fascinates me. It states that the value of a telecommunications network is proportional to the square of the number of connected users of the system (n²). Attributed to Robert Metcalfe in regard to Ethernet, (geek speak for a common form of computer network) Metcalfe’s law characterizes many of the network effects of communication technologies and networks such as the Internet, social networking, and the World Wide Web. Boy, are these networks powerful!!!!!
  
• The concept, expectation and impact of networking have changed dramatically as the world and the means for networking have evolved. From an individual engagement involving two people that serves mutual needs – the networking scope has scaled to involve communities seeking similar goals and aspirations. These ubiquitous networks deliver different levels of efficiency and are being used to extract varied levels of value. The evolution of supportive, easy to use technology has played a big role here!
  
• I do not associate Networking with financial gains alone. I have seen friends closely associated with the church, healthcare and other humanitarian pursuits where networking (or Support Groups) get people with similar psychological and physical challenges together to bond, share and support each other. These are incredible efforts and underline the selflessness of the people who organize these groups and invest their time to help others.
  
• With Networking becoming a core skill in every individual’s profit and non-profit go to market model, differentiation in how you network is crucial. So here are 10 tips that I have picked up from my time at work – I am not the Oracle from the mountains, these are lessons that I have either triumphed or suffered for…
  

1. Understand who you are? Analyze your strengths and weaknesses – no one is perfect! Then place your best foot forward judging the circumstances of the engagement.
2. Treat people with respect and grace in every instance irrespective of the level of your familiarity. An unassuming exterior often sheaths very capable personalities within
3. Assume a longer term goal from the relationship – do not focus on instant gratifications. Just like you would be forming an opinion about the individual you are dealing with so would the other. Let the engagement evolve rather than force it..
4. Keep every relationship ‘alive’ even after the immediate objective is served. Many a great opportunity of a larger mutual leverage is lost because the people involved took a short term perspective of the relation
5. Make an impact on people when you meet them, especially for the first time at gatherings – they should remember you even after you have moved on! Appropriate compliments, graciousness, eye contact, intelligent questions or observations and great listening skills will be your check list., ‘Charisma’ by the way is often overrated!
6. Make a conscious effort to make people comfortable in your presence – refer to the checklist above. Watch out for a shifting gaze, a nervous laugh or extended silence from the other person as tell tale signs of discomfort!
7. Be a fabulous listener – there is a reason why you have two ears and one mouth (boy, do most of us struggle!). A superior listener gathers far more from a conversation than someone with an over eagerness to speak. Besides, good listening skills add balance to an engagement and provides an even keel for a conversation
8. Absorb the other person’s point of view and ask intelligent questions during your interaction, be it in person or electronic (emails, social networking sites etc)
9. Refer people you know to other people you know – if you promote others, they will promote you. Keep compatibility and common interest in mind though while facilitating these introductions
10. Come out of each engagement making the other person feeling generally optimistic, more self aware and possibly knowledgeable than before they met you
    
    I look forward to all of you building valuable, fulfilling, engaging and incredibly rewarding networks in every sphere of your lives..