Networking Reminder: Think Inside The Box

Timeless and timely networking advice pulled from the depths of the Networking Pro-Tip archive.

When it comes to sustaining your networking efforts, ditch the outside the box mentality.

I'm not suggesting you resort to "poor me! these are my only alternatives" whining ruminations on your networking alternatives. Rather, by thinking inside the box, you are forced to think in a more expansive, creative way. 

Really? 

Here's why I'm an advocate for "in the box" thinking to get creative yet practical networking ideas and solutions: there will ALWAYS be a need for more time, resources, information, better or stronger connections, etc. etc. etc.

This is our networked reality.

So, with those limitations in mind, what are you going to do about the lack of time, resources, connections? 

Whine?

Procrastinate?

Complain?

Stay stuck?

Or move your networking ahead by getting creative with the time and resources you have?

It's your career, and your call. 

Here's your networking challenge this week:

Have you been so focused on what you don't have that you have overlooked the resources (and opportunities) right under your nose?

How can you build your dream with what you have at hand?

Complete the network audit in Chapter 2 of my forthcoming book (The Social Billiuonaire) to remind yourself of all the networking resources you have to tap into. Download the sample chapter, here (for free).

Need more inspiration? Watch one of my favorite TED talks (Phil Hansen's Embrace The Shake).