Volunteering is the Best Path to Building a Strong Network.

There is a lot more to Sales Enablement than CRM, Optimizing Content Investments, and Sharpening the Pitch. Use the time away from your job to get better at your job, build lasting relationships, and have a blast doing it.

The current environment has provided me more time to reflect and be thoughtful in my approaches than in previous roles.?Historically there has been a day-to-day urgency tied to most every pursuit I have endeavored.?A month-to-month quota, end-of-quarter chaos, preparing for a QBR, specific tasks for the day or week that are driven more by the facade of productivity and activity and less by thoughtful, strategic process toward an ultimate desired outcome.??

There is incredible importance tied to a thoughtful and well-executed strategy.?Strategy to me is that thing that pays dividends over time rather than this week, this month or even this year.?As I think on this I am reminded of the vital importance and immeasurable value tied to my personal and professional network.?I never really thought of building my network as a strategy, but for someone who may be early on in their career, that is exactly what it should be.?

I suggest that a personal strategy for growth and success begins with the establishment of a high-worth personal and professional network.?Please do not confuse the term “high-worth” with a suggestion that you should seek to align only with wealthy individuals (though not a terrible idea to have a few on your team!)??

The term here is tied more to the idea that you should always work to build a broad and deep relationship pool that will pay off in multiple and unique ways.?“High-worth” in this case refers primarily to the capacity to influence.?In addition, it is critical to note that your “growth and success” extends beyond wealth and financial gain...spending time with the right people can actually make you better, more comfortable in specific settings and gain you access that would otherwise not be as naturally granted!?

In short, it can make you a better person.???

Perhaps some examples will clarify.?Over the course of time, I have provided many favors both personal and professional to people in my network.?Individuals in my network have delivered time and again for me in ways that often cannot be measured, but whose impact is as tangible as it is priceless.?I have helped people in difficult employment situations find alternatives.?A prominent physician in my personal network saved me from a life-altering medical procedure that was, as it turned out, unnecessary.?I have received countless job recommendations and employee recommendations from trusted sources in my circle.?I have benefited from advice and direction that was provided by mentors whom I trust implicitly where the relationship may have started through coaching their kids in sports.??

There are few investments that will pay greater dividends than the one you make in building your life network.

So how do you do it??I suggest that the answer is simpler than you may think.

It comes down to putting yourself out there and expanding your comfort zone.??

In a word...Volunteer.?

Get involved in pursuits outside of your work.?Find charities or causes important to you or to the most visible of your local companies (even your business targets) and offer them something they cannot procure anywhere else, your time, energy, and skills.??

Coach little league, basketball, or any sport that you enjoy.?Volunteer at church or school.?Join a committee or club that needs your specific skill set or a resource that you bring to the table.?The parent of your shortstop or a fellow committee member may be the CEO or VP of a business you are trying to sell to or influence in some way.??

Finally, above all in these pursuits, be genuine and be present.?When you give to a cause, pick something important to you and give fully and with commitment to the ultimate objective, not because it benefits you, but because it provides gain for the organization in the form of your time, talent and passion.?These are things with intangible value that organizations are most often lacking.??

There are few strategic initiatives that you will pursue in your career more important than constantly growing your network.?When done well, the benefits you accrue extend far beyond business.?Your skillset will expand, you will be more comfortable around influential and important people and you will gain new perspectives on what is truly important.?You build a circle of real friendships and relationships that endure and if you are not careful, you may just do a lot of good in the process which is a strategy that will pay dividends well beyond next month or next quarter.??

There are profound benefits to using your professional skills outside work to deliver value to your community and I promise, that effort will reward you in countless personal ways and will make you a better professional as well.??

But the most important thing, like many life-changing journeys, is to get started...so what are you waiting for?