I’m back from a week of travel and speaking, and when I am in other cities for workshops and speeches, I am aware of the rewards of networks — personal as well as professional. Consequently, the question: Do you have a network? I’ve traveled for work for many years, and as a result of my most recent trip, I’m reflecting on the wonderful and amazing people I’ve met from Oregon to Boston, from Florida to Phoenix.
You may have read one of my blogs on GIVE AND TAKE, Adam Grant’s recent book. He talks about reciprocity — givers, takers, matchers — and invites you to get on his website giveandtake.com and take a short inventory to assess how you behave when networking. It’s worth a few minutes of your time AND the book is excellent. Mainly he’s inviting you, as I am, to examine your network — and your skills for building and maintaining your network. There are dozens of amazing business/professional reasons to build a network — mainly how putting good energy out always comes back to you — sometimes in a delightfully unexpected form…..however, today I’m emphasizing the psychological value. You make new friends! You enhance the positive energy of connecting. You feel the energy that other good people extend and welcome in return. You experience positive emotions. You ENGAGE. You form new and unexpected relationships. You discover new meaning. You accomplish and achieve…..And as a bonus you LEARN — about the wide range of people and personalities, their knowledge and interests, their life styles and accomplishments.
What’s the pay off you might ask? Twofold….you expand your circle of friends and associates… and whether you believe it or not, you increase the possibility of living a longer and healthier, and more fulfilled life… You might also joyfully discover that something you say or do makes a positive difference in someone’s life. That hopefully makes it truly appealing.
If you’ve never thought about getting intentional about building a network around your work and your life, consider reading about it. Grant’s book is an excellent starting point. You can also join organizations that are welcoming and make networking a component of what they do… if you are in Kansas City, consider The Central Exchange….. and in Kansas City and in every city around the country, check out the American Business Women’s Association.
Isolation and the feelings of being disconnected are two of the biggest sources of mild to more severe depression. Stepping out when you feel down is not easy, so consider asking a friend or colleague to go with you when you decide to do something like attend a meeting for the first time…. and even if you feel perfectly fine, trust me, you can feel even better when you NETWORK.