How Strong Is Our Network?

Topics covered: What is a network and how can we increase the usefulness of our network? Resources to grow a stronger network. Gamifying your LinkedIn network experience by creating value.

With the recent layoffs in the technology sector, I started to think about how I would approach my own job search should I need to. I know that being referred to a company significantly increases my chances of filling a role. This led me to think about the people that I would turn to for help and advice, my own network.

Further thoughts led me to the actual word, network. In this context, the word network means a group or system of interconnected people or things.

I then mentally spliced network into net and work.

I now see network as net and work. Your personal network is the sum of work you put into providing value minus any value you have extracted. We have to provide value to our network in order for our network to provide any value back to us. Our personal networks are a proof of work.

With this in mind, providing value is the ultimate multiplier.

The beauty in this is that a network is not finite. A network is expansive. We all benefit when our collective networks have strong relationships. This requires intimate knowledge about the people in that network and how we can provide value to them.

A rising tide lifts all boats. A strengthening network increases the value of everyone in that network.

We are playing a positive-sum game.

This is the ultimate network effect. The network effect is a phenomenon whereby increased numbers of people or participants improve the value of a good or service (or network). We should all push each other to better, stronger connections. This will unleash the completely expansive nature of our collective networks.

The strength of our connections is what we should measure. Connections strengthen through trust and shared value exchange.

We should all be celebrating the increased strength of our network connections. This collective value increases the potential benefits for us all.

Resources

Porter Gale

• Here is a quick 100-second video from Porter Gale explaining how we should all approach developing our networks
• Her book Your Network is Your Net Worth

"Networking is not about who you know it's about who you are becoming as a person."

• Podcast interview - Mindvalley 2021

Keith Ferrazzi

• Never Eat Alone and Who’s Got Your Back
• A 31 networking principle of Keith Ferrazi's work here
• My favorite takeaway. Social Arbitrage: How much you give to the people you come into contact with determines how much you’ll receive in return.

"The currency of networking is generosity."

Robert Cialdini

• principle of reciprocity - video

Adam Grant

• Ted talk - Are you a giver or taker?
• 5-minute favors - How can you help someone in five minutes?
• Encourage help-seeking - Ask for help and allow people to give
• Weed out takers because takers reduce giving

Potential Gamification

Did you know that LinkedIn has a Social Selling Index? We have a built-in network gamification.

This index measures your professional brand, finding the right people, engagement with insights, and your relationships.

Here is mine.?

I'm clearly not engaging with insights enough. ?? You can find yours here.

The Wrap Up

We can all add value to our connections.

What are the things you will focus on in 2023 to increase the value of your network?

Take five minutes right now and add value to someone in your network. If nothing comes easily, tag someone here to let them know you are thinking about them.

The best time to build your network was two years ago. The second best time is today.