In Southern California we have many huge, tall, lush eucalyptus trees that topple over fairly easily in the high winds that occur almost every year. When they’re uprooted and blown over, you can see that their root system is broad and wide but not very deep. I think this is a powerful metaphor for what to consider in building your personal network. To go deep in establishing your network, you can do three things:
1. Build quality relationships. Take time beyond normal business interactions to deepen your relationships with referral sources. Invite them to social functions, learn their hobbies and interests, and help them pursue their personal goals.
2. Network in new places. Other than your strong–and casual–contact groups, look for new areas to find partners with common interests, such as charitable organizations and professional support groups. Don’t prospect right away; let the relationships mature.
3. Focus on others. Rather than having a “What’s in it for me?” mind-set, ask yourself, What can I do for this person? Continually look for ways to bring business and benefits to others in any group you’re a part of. Make yourself known as the person who always has something for others. This is a powerful way to both deepen and broaden your network.
If your network is a mile wide and an inch deep, it will not hold up in the winds of today’s economy. Go deep in building relationships and you’ll do well in these challenging times.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, so please leave a comment.
This entry was posted on Thursday, January 8th, 2009 at 12:55 pm and is filed under Connections, Emotional Intelligence, Networking, Networking Education, Networking Prep, Self Development, Social Capital. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.5 Responses to “Is Your Network a Mile Wide and an Inch Deep?”
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January 10th, 2009 at 4:13 am
Rather than having a “What’s in it for me?” mind-set, ask yourself, What can I do for this person? Continually look for ways to bring business and benefits to others in any group you’re a part of. Make yourself known as the person who always has something for others. This is a powerful way to both deepen and broaden your network.
That said it all for me.
January 11th, 2009 at 6:54 am
It is important to build deep relationship but it is hard these days since people are all “what`s in it for me”. For me it`s “what`s in it for us”. We are two or many so that everybody profits and it create a better business dynamic.
Michel Richer
hombyz
January 14th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
We must go deep not just wide. Perhaps it can be summed up with networking “is more about farming than hunting”.
January 21st, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Mile wide and an inch deep is perfect description of what social networking has turned into. We must again, get back to the basics of business and take time to find out what our prospective clients want. Having a network built on quantity falls so short of attractive marketing. Networking is built on quality. I believe in using marketing strategies that are attractive. Try a little more face time. It’s sexy and makes us all smile.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:00 am
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