|
Networks
Amplify Your
Influence
|
| What it
is |
Networks are interconnected systems of things or
people.
Networks are people talking to each other,
sharing ideas, information and resources.” –John Naisbitt
|
| Why it's
Important |
The
most successful people in life maximize opportunities. The stronger and more focused
your networks, the faster you can respond to change and the greater your credibility. |
| The
Problem |
The risks of full
participation seem too high. Fear of harsh judgment or being wrong can either:
-
Cause
you to hold back and therefore short-change the support available, or
-
Cause
you to become a serial networker – dabbling here and there but never committing to
fellow members
To benefit from
a network, you’ll need to open yourself to being profoundly affected
by others.
|
| |
|
The Tip
|
|
Appreciate and
Upgrade
|
|
Step 1 Assess Current
Networks
|
Who, What, and How
Your current networks are the
reflection of past/present interests.
|
| |
Who
·
Social networks: Facebook, Linkedin,
Country Clubs
·
Religious, Academic, Professional
Organizations
·
Family, Friends
What
·
Predominant topic of
conversation
·
Fresh ideas vs. recycled
commiseration
How
·
Balanced sharing vs. a one
way street
·
Live vs. virtual (is it effective and
convenient?)
|
|
Step 2 Value the
Resource
|
- How has the group benefited
you?
- What is strongest about this
group?
- What do you bring other
members?
|
|
Step 3
What’s
missing?
|
What are your current interests?
·
Fashion
·
Technology
·
Nutrition
·
Fitness
·
Entertainment
Match your interests with your networks and
notice the holes.
|
|
Step 4
Plug the
holes
|
Create new connections and/or
update current networks for greater benefit. Try following the example of
another successful person.
|
|
Step 5
Lurk at
first
|
Rather than jumping right in,
watch from the sidelines for a while.
- What are the expectations for
behavior?
- How are divergent opinions
delivered constructively?
Once you’re sure about the resource, establish
your credibility and reliability by adding your voice slowly.
|
|
Step 6
Acknowledge the
Group!
|
The group becomes an equal partner in your
success and is the container for the support you add and receive. Honor the strength it
provides by attributing the wisdom you share with others back to The Group.
|
Benefits!
| Boundaries |
Frequent updates ensure
you’re open-minded and connected to that which your kids find interesting. |
| Rolodex
2 |
You
expand your list of qualified resources based on the knowledgebase of your networks. |
| Connectedness
|
The
nourishing and energizing support reduces your stress level. |
| Fulfillment |
You
are openly appreciated and acknowledged for your contributions—not always true at home. |
| Collaboration |
You
develop a “third mind” through the comingling of ideas. |
| Influence |
As always, the more
you're present and connected to your kids, the greater your ability to influence their choices. That’s what it’s all
about. |
Related Articles: Big Leaps are
Required,
Related Tip of the Week: Safety with
Smartphones and Camaraderie,
Chime in >>
 
What do you think?
Image by Vichie81
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2023
Lorraine
Esposito, Peacemaker Coach is a Scarsdale, New York coaching practice working with clients from all over the
U.S. (Texas, Florida, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Virgina, Washington, DC., North Carolina, Boston,
Maine, Colorado, and more), Canada, and even into Europe (France and
Sweden.)
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