Time to refresh your network?

Ah, the new year. Time to lose weight, get your finances in order and start networking again. Of course, for most of us it’s time to think about all these things – the reality is we’ll get busy, fall back into our pre-holiday routines and put aside these resolutions until next January.

Networking is not typically on my resolutions list as I’m a pretty consistent and competent networker. Or am I? Last week I attended an operating committee meeting for an organization I recently joined. I quickly realized that I was slightly uncomfortable because I only knew a couple of people in the room. This realization underscored something I already knew – I’m too comfortable with my network and it’s time for a refresh. I imagine there are plenty of you out there sailing in the same boat.

Now, point of clarity, I’m not suggesting you throw out your network like stale bread. Chances are your network has served you well and will continue to serve you well in the future. Networks are relationships that need to be nurtured and maintained, however, continuously networking with the same people is not networking, it’s socializing. If you see the same people twice in one week, you’re too busy traveling in the same circles to effectively network.

Since most of us are too busy to add to our calendars, there needs to be some purging of activities and events in order to make room for new ones. A good place to start is boards and committees that you serve on. Many boards have set three-year terms with the option to stay on for an additional term(s). There’s a good reason for this – fresh ideas and perspectives. This is a two-way street – moving on to a new board or committee can re-energize you and expand your network. If you are really passionate about the board you serve on and are providing value, don’t jump ship – simply take the time to get to know board members you are less familiar with.

Business and civic organizations are great options for networking and creating new business connections. Through my previous employer, I was a 10-year member of the local Kiwanis club. There’s nothing wrong with this, but these were people that I knew well and consistently interacted with in the community. When I switched careers, I made a conscious effort to join a different civic organization in order to meet new people. Perhaps it’s time for you to join a new group and expand your horizons. How many “years of service” pins do you really need anyway?

Another realization is that my world is small. Like most people, the further out I get from my general geographic area, the less people I know. Want to realize just how small your world is? Visit a business association meeting in a neighboring county and see how many faces you recognize. It’s humbling.

So, as you are heading to that next committee meeting with your neighbor and your best friend from high school, give some thought to expanding your network this year – you may find it refreshing…