The Cross-pollination Effect

LinkedIn is a platform for networking, and yet, most of us stay in our "safe" and familiar zones. We stick to the same garden. Educators stick with educators. Marketers follow marketers. Scientists connect with scientists.

Over the last several weeks, the term, "cross-pollination" has come to mind over and over again in the various interactions I have had. No, I am not thinking about plants! I am referring to crossing paths with people and ideas that we normally don't think about, which may turn into new opportunities, innovative ideas, and the forging of great partnerships.

What do birds, bees, and plants have to do with networking?

What is cross-pollination?

Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen between plants of the same species, promoting genetic diversity and plant adaptability. It occurs through agents like bees, butterflies, wind, and water, contributing to ecosystem health and biodiversity.

Why is cross-pollination important?

Cross-pollination is vital as it fosters genetic diversity, enhancing plant resilience to environmental changes, diseases, and pests. This process supports ecosystem stability and biodiversity, ultimately benefiting agriculture, food security, and overall ecological balance.

Now let's transfer those ideas over to human networking

Just as cross-pollination enhances plant resilience and diversity, building diverse connections in human networking fosters innovation, adaptability, and personal growth. When you and I engage with individuals from various backgrounds, industries, and perspectives, we make way for the exchange of ideas and experiences. In a way, we are mirroring the positive impacts of cross-pollination in the plant world.

The Cross-pollination Effect strengthens our personal and professional networks, ultimately benefiting communities, businesses, and society as a whole.

What does cross-pollination look like in real life?

Some of us are agents, like the bees and butterflies, carrying information or starting conversations across teams, between two people who would otherwise not meet, proposing ideas about new partnerships, and so on.

Cross-pollination may also be a "what if" conversation between new acquaintances in seemingly unrelated worlds.

The Cross-pollination Effect

As a marine biologist, Sarah was struggling to raise public awareness about the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life. She attended a local networking event, where she met Dave, a talented filmmaker. Inspired by Sarah's passion and knowledge, Dave offered to create a documentary showcasing her research and the urgent need for change. Through their collaboration, they produced a compelling film that garnered international attention, mobilized support for environmental conservation, and significantly influenced public opinion and policy. Their cross-pollination resulted in a powerful partnership that amplified their individual efforts and made a real-world impact.

The benefits

If we thought of our networking life as having measurable "health," then surely there is a positive impact when we diversify our channels and our relationships. In the natural world, cross-pollination results in the protection, balance, and longevity of plant species (which we humans need!)

By intentionally cross-pollinating as we network, we access diverse perspectives, enhance creativity and innovation, and expand business opportunities, just to name a few.

P.S. I loved writing and exploring the idea of the Cross-pollination Effect because it is incredibly powerful and much needed in our day and age. Hope you enjoyed reading!