Wanted

WEAVE

NETWORKS



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The larger the network you develop the

greater the probability of progress in

your career

Remember that the network is a two-way process.

You are there to help people on the network as much

as they are there to help you.

There is an old adage, ‘Business is built

on relationships’. When there is no

personal relationship there is no bond,

no loyalty and little to stop a customer

or employee defecting in favour of a

better deal. For example, I used to have

a relationship with my bank. This was

conducted through the branch

manager and his immediate team, whom I knew well. That

relationship was destroyed years ago with the advent of remote

banking, call centres in distant parts and the frustrating

struggle to communicate effectively with an understanding

human being. In destroying the relationship I had with the local

branch the bank destroyed my loyalty.

Relationships are personal and they facilitate good business and

good employment. Little progress can be made in a career or in

any job of work without good relationships. It means building a

network of contacts. For each contact there should be a mutually

beneficial relationship. You are more likely to get your computer

fixed if you have an excellent relationship with the computer

expert. Conversely you are more likely to put yourself out for

someone you know personally than for a faceless ‘name’

extracted from a database.

A personal network

is an informal

mutual support

system

Once you’ve met a person face to face you are also more likely to

remember him or her. Any interaction then becomes

personalised. We human beings are social animals and few of us

want to rely solely on the computer screen for our interactions

with others. Internet products such as ‘Facebook’ and

‘Friendster’ will definitely appeal to many but they can never

offer the reality of genuine acquaintance, friendship and

personal contact.

Individuals described as ‘loners’ might well stick to their

technology and impersonal equipment for life’s satisfactions,

but those who make progress in their organisations and their

industries are those who develop an extensive network of

contacts who they rely on for help and guidance in time of need

as well as reciprocating as required.

The provision of references (or the use of referees) is just one

example of the value of networks. Few people get a new job

without the new boss checking out the successful candidate by

way of reference. When you have a wide network of contacts it

will never prove difficult to find two or three people who can

vouch for your prowess in a given field of endeavour. Another

example is when you need advice on a particular topic – you will

know exactly who to turn to in your network to help you.

Similarly the network can be used for opening doors and

meeting influential people who would otherwise deny you the

time of day.

The advantage of an extensive network is that it can help you get

the job you want. You will become wanted because it will be

obvious that you know a lot of people in the industry or

profession. Your contact list will prove an invaluable asset.

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PRA C T I CA L TI P S

G

Seize every opportunity to meet new people both outside

your company and within it.

G

Collect their business cards and always follow up to

reinforce the new relationship.

Career stimuli

6

THE GAME

G

The game is cricket.

G

The game is chess.

G

The game is competitive.

G

The game is your career.

G

The game has rules.

G

The game has unofficial rules.

G

At times you make up your own rules.

G

People who keep to the official rules are bureaucrats.

G

People who know when to break the rules are wanted.

G

It is the people at the top of their game who are

WANTED.