To me, there is a lack of understanding in today’s business world regarding the value of a meaningful network and what it takes to build one. The goal is to establish a somewhat like-minded group around yourself, where each person has similar goals and the benefits are two-way. It’s a fairly simple in concept, but doing it right means developing a “caring” mentality, authenticity and consistent efforts to connect.
Building a network is a long game and requires intentionality. There are folks I interact with daily, and some I only see once a year. For any of these, the goal is keeping the relationship warm. It might be as simple as liking a post they make or sending a note when they reach a milestone. I believe an in-person visit, a phone call or a real letter bring the most value, but a digital check-in is sometimes the best way, too. The key is your presence and finding a balance between being available and a nuisance. When you achieve this symmetry, the rewards, both personal and professional, are invaluable.
