It’s a Small World When You Diversify Your Network.
When I began my path of networking in 1991 my sole intention was to build my business. I never considered what impact my network would have on my life, the people I would meet, the places I would travel and the things that I would be able to do, because of the network I have developed.
As I sit on an airplane headed to Massachusetts to spend time with my friends whom I met networking at BNI’s international conferences, I have had time to reflect upon my life and how it has been impacted by the diversity of my network.
Last week I was in Scotland at a friends wedding, this week I was in Big Bear California where I spent time with people from all over the country and my friend Sarah from England as well as Michael Gerber and his wife.
Because of the time invested in my network I have had the opportunity to build a business that I love and travel the world to help those in my network.
Unfortunately too many people spend time only networking with those of their own kind, those whom live in the same area, speak the same language, and dress the same way. This is a very limiting way to build a network.
Step out, go network at places where you have never networked before. Meet people who are different, from other places, different states, cities, and countries. When your network is diverse your life becomes enriched and opportunities are presented that would never have happened otherwise.
You can have anything you want in life, go anywhere in the world, and create a life you love when you build a far reaching and diverse network. So, step out of your comfort zone, go somewhere new, meet new people in a new place, diversify your network.
About admin
Related Posts
-
Women are Natural Networkers
I have spent years networking with both men and women. In that time I have noticed a lot of difference between how the two sexes network. I have come to realize that Women are really very natural networkers. Building a strong network requires that you nurture the relationships that you…
-
Anyone with a Book Can Call Themselves An Expert
Every single day I see a new one, it seems that it has become very popular to call ones self an expert on various topics. People with little skill or experience can write a book or start a business and declare themselves experts. Most popular are; I am a Social…
-
Flirting and Networking – Good or Bad?
Flirting: to court trifling or act amorously without any serious intentions Flirting is a basic instinct, part of human nature. This is not surprising: if we did not initiate contact and express interest in members of the opposite sex, we would not progress to reproduction, and the human species would…
16 Responses so far.
Hazel,
This is a perspective on networking that is usually overlooked. The links between network diversity and life plus business opportunities are fantastic! Thanks for writing about it and enjoy your adventures.
I completely agree, most people think of their network as a business tool, but it is a great way to enrich your life and the lives of othes. Thanks for your comments, they are truly valued and add depth to the conversation.
I’ve found that when I am actively engaged with groups where we share a common interest or goal, such as volunteering for an organization, we build relationships that transcend the original purpose. Being involved in something bigger than ourselves allows us to network with people with diverse backgrounds, interests, and talents. Working together in this type of setting allows us to build relationships with people who wouldn’t normally cross our paths. It’s helped me build great friendships and increased referrals and profits.
I have travelled extensively throughout my lfe too Hazel, during the course of which I have become not just a people “watcher” but a people engager. Deep down, whatever our background, race or creed, we all want basically the same, only the lack of communication skills, or the wrong way of communicating can prevent success from taking place. Each day I set out to help people find these skills and the only effective way to do this is to lead by example. I know you do the same
I am a strong believer in walking the talk and givers the gain. Having the opportunity to meet new people and connect with them beyond business has blessed may life. Yesterday I drove to Connecticut to me Craig and his family for the first time in person. Craig and his wife play an online game that I play, we have spent time chatting and getting to know each other. The relationship took a big step forward when we were able to sit down face to face and really get to know each other. There are so many ways that we diversify our networks but it starts with being engaged and reaching out. Y
Thanks for the comment James you certainly are a good example of walking the talk.
Sue
You make a great point volunteering is a great way to meet a group of people with diverse backgrounds. It is also a powerful way to practice Givers Gain.
Oh how I love to network, I have a thirst for learning and you can learn so much from other people in an accelerated fashion when networking. I find people fascinating, their experiences and stories, what they are looking to achieve or just learning about new cultures. I love to help and connect others and in building those connections how amazing and comforting it is when you personally need help or advice in another state or country. Yes Hazel, it brings a whole new dimension to networking when you can connect people from diverse cultures across continents, or know that a family member is in safe hands in another state when they need a referral. I would be so bold as to say that networking on an international or extended and diverse manner creates a level of confidence, interest, fascination and creativity. As you said, you never know where networking may take you. Recently a very dear colleague and I were I’m thinking of ways to possibly speak in Australia, I have no idea yet how but I know I will find a way through networking. Definitely challenge yourself to find new places and ways to network.
http://elainebetts.wordpress.com/
Hey Hazel – You have me reflecting on my networking beginnings. Well, once I was an attorney anyway. People who know me say that I was networking long before that without realizing it.
My first foray into networking was when I was looking for a job. I had one, but the guy stopped paying me, I sued him and he filed bankruptcy. That’s another story for another time. Anyway, I began making these 2 networking trees. I called 2 attorney friends and asked them to start connecting me with other attorneys. I never asked anyone for a job. All I wanted to do was chat with them about their practices, how they got where they were and how I could help them. They all knew that I needed a job, so there was no need to ask. They all offered that they did not have any job openings. The last question I asked them was whether they would be willing to give me a few more names before I left so that I could continue my networking. No one, of course, ever said no to such a request. I ended up with dozens of attorney on both networking trees and I spoke or met with almost all of them over a 3 or 4 months stretch. I finally was introduced to John Alexandrov. Like the others before him, John was very open to chatting and seeing how we could help each other. Then John said that he had an empty office and he would charge $400.00 if I wanted to rent it. While several of the other attorneys with whom I met suggested that I should start my own law practice because that was how they ended up where they were when we were talking, only John offered that additional step. He showed me around, showed me the empty office, introduced me to the other attorneys and paralegals and made me feel incredibly welcome. I immediately went home and began investigating what would be involved in opening my own law practice. The details, again, are for another time, but suffice it to say that I opened my own practice back on March 1, 1995, all due to networking. Normally people say that they got so busy with business from networking that it enabled them to go on their own. Me, I was networking for a completely different reason with attorneys all over the State of Massachusetts and ended up where I am today because of that. We always say that you never know who someone knows or how the people you meet can help you. I am a walking (most of the time) example of that. I will be forever grateful to John and the attorneys that led me to him.
Sorry this is such a long post!
All of this led me to BNI, which has given me exactly the contacts you mentioned. I know people in dozens of countries, have met with them when they come here and I have visited their BNI chapters (in Canada at least). I figure I know people in pretty much every profession that there is and I can make referrals all around the world. Do you think that makes me look good to the people that I am helping find new service providers???
While this was not necessarily about a geographically diverse network in the beginning, this is what your post me think about, so here it is!
Love you Hazel!
Ooops, sorry Hazel! http://www.malofsky-schwartz.com/blog
Great seeing you at Fenway the other day!!
It is amazing the possibilities, the doors that can be opened, thanks to networking!
My suggestion is network, when possible, where you want to be in the future!
Thanks Tiffanie, I think creating an diverse network allows for some amazing opportunity if one will only take the time.
It was great to see you too.
Brett you should take this reply and turn it into a post for your own blog!
I learn so much more when my network it diversified, internationally and locally. For me life is about the relationships I build and the experiences I have. Building a strong network enhances my life.
Hazel – This is a great piece, thanks for writing it. I have traveled extensively in the last year – London, Scotland, Sweden, Costa Rica, Nassau, and South Africa, to name the biggies – and all due to my networking. I know that I could travel the rest of my life visiting the friends I have met. The contacts that I have made are like money in the bank to me – I know that my network will provide. So as our friend Tony Wolfe says, GO DO!
Thanks for the comment Beth! Building internationally is easier than ever today with technology and the speed of travel. There is no reason to stop anyone from doing so, if they choose.