From My Inbox: Collect + Connect But Don't Hoard
Random thoughts (typically related to networking) along with 💩 curated from my inbox.
"I might need them later!"
SB clutches her valuable connections to her chest like a strand of prized pearls about to ripped off her neck by a thief. She's not tapping in to this network at the moment to help herself or it or anyone else, so it sits there, slowly declining in value.
"I'll call on them when I need to."
A lone wolf with integrity, MC left Wall Street with a platinum rolodex in his pocket, that gradually transformed to tin due to lack of contact.
"This is the way we do it."
A visionary business development pro who tirelessly worked to advance women in professional services, TB rigidly controlled the interactions and maneuverability of decision-making in her powerful network. Her legacy, like her network are mostly memories instead of ongoing, lasting momentum.
The common thread between these three stories? A network is only as good as how it is used.
If you're not tapping into for yourself, consider the ways you can use it to help the people in it. Use increases rather than decreases connection - even when the network use doesn't directly have a thing to do with you.
When you hold onto your network so tightly, you strangle it, rendering the connections you've collected of absolutely no use at all. Be open to letting go by facilitating opportunities, allowing interactions to flow freely (as ultimately, this will only strengthen your network).
Dictating every network interaction means there is no network interaction.
Needing a network for "some day" is neglecting your network daily. And that sort of neglect ensures that some day never arrives.
Read:
It's hard to reach out to old friends, but doing so may help alleviate loneliness (The Conversation)
Pre-existing stereotypes exacerbated: Remote working women struggle to separate work and family life more than men, research finds (People Management)
Networking Q&A: The Follow-Up! (BYDN Blog)
Productivity Tips:
Help! It turns out breaks make you more productive (The Guardian)
How to Nap Like a Pro (GoodNet)
Take breaks, eat beetroot: How to be more productive according to experts (GQ)
Listen:
Investing in Women CEOs (How Women Lead)
Where is Your Network? (BYDN Podcast)