What does a network look like?

There are truly no rules to what a network can look like, so it can have an infinite number of faces.

(perhaps you’re actually part of a TON of networks, but didn’t realize it until just now?)

In-person networks can look like:

• A sewing circle who meets once a month to work on personal projects alongside each other
• Toastmaster organizations who meet regularly to practice public speaking in front of a safe crowd, with coaches who provide supportive feedback
• Cigar Clubs who enjoy sharing experiences with various cigars, or even unique spirits
• That historical society your city has where everyone comes together a few times per year to geek out about all the old houses and the stories behind the families who once lived there - and even dress up in old-fashioned clothing to stroll through the streets
• Veterans who come together to have coffee on Friday mornings and reminisce about “the good ol’ days”
• Volunteer organizations who come together annually to pick up trash at the beach, work the rodeo, or plan music festivals

Virtual networks can look like:

• That group on Facebook where you share your love (or exasperation) of your hometown’s particular sports team with others, despite not living in that state anymore
• A bunch of women from all over the world whose common interest is learning photography & trying to make a sustainable business out of it
• People who geek out about antique or thrift shop finds and want to share with equally-excited folks
• Truck owners of a certain brand who want to exchange information about aftermarket upgrades, style changes, or performance improvements
• A specialized population of people who seek or wish to share advice with others about how to overcome a specific obstacle (parents who want advice on how to advocate for their special needs children in school, neurodivergent adults who need interview help to get a full-time job, etc)

Networks can be predominantly virtual with an in-person event every now and then, or usually in-person, but opt to keep in touch in between gatherings via an online group or text/email chain.

Networks can be local: neighborhood (like the“NextDoor” app)/city/state/country, or international.

So long as you’ve got at least two people with at least ONE point of connection - tada!? You officially have a network.

And having that network in place can potentially expand your reach, fortify your social standing, teach you new things, or promptly inform you of significant events.

What are some of your networks?