Chapter 66
Networking Ruts
Networkers inevitably get comfortable. They'll hang with the same people, go to the same places, and have the same conversations over and over and over again. A comfort zone is created and once that happens it's easy to get stuck and miss opportunities. It's as if the enthusiasm to grow their network ends and the professional settles into habits that don't include recognizing and embracing new opportunities and relationships.
While it's nice to nurture current relationships, growth helps a network thrive. Mixing and mingling with the new recruit at your service club and making him or her feel welcomed will go a long way to positively impacting another's life, and yours at the same time.
I've had the good fortune to attend and speak at many association meetings. The dynamics are pretty predictable:
- The “forever-member” leaders act like they run the place—and they do. Most likely quote from them is “Well, that's how we've always done it.”
- The “new vibe” leaders are actively trying to bring new ways of doing things to the organization. They usually put in hours above and beyond expectations with hopes of seeing their vision come to fruition—eventually.
- The “even-longer-than-forever” members have given up on running the organization, but come to meetings faithfully to reconnect with a handful of colleagues.
- The “really-don't-want-to-be-here” members attend to put in their time because it's their job requirement. They expect zero benefit from membership ...
