Networking

In the previous two learning units we focused on internal leadership communication aspects. In this learning unit we will look at external communication and relationship building for leaders.

There is an informal saying: It is not what you are, but whom you know.

This is said in gist, but there is great truth to this statement. Successful people always know many other people!

Successful leaders utilise networking to establish and build external relations and alliances. The term networking means that you become multi-connected. You develop links with a wide variety of people who have a wide variety of backgrounds. Each individual may have only a small portion of information that would be useful, but together the people in your network provide a vast library of knowledge and resources you can draw from when needs arise.

A network cannot stand-alone any more than a star or a plant can make up a universe. A network is comprised of innumerable people and group systems. Each person in your network ties you into their network until your network ties into countless other networks.
It has been estimated that adults know between 500 and 1 000 people on a social basis. When you multiply each of those 500 to 1 000 persons by the 500 to 1 000 that they know, the numbers become vast. Most of the 500 to 1 000 people what you know are part of your extended network. They can play a powerful role in helping you achieve your goals.

Stanley Milgram reasoned that anyone could reach anyone by linking up with people in their extended networks. In May 1967, he put this theory into operation by asking a sample of people in Massachusetts to use their contacts in reaching a randomly selected group in Nebraska. The results confirmed his theory. The people in Massachusetts where able to reach the randomly, selected people in Nebraska within two links.

Networking opportunities are being created in many ways, such as:

• Providers network
• Associations
• Special interest groups
• Business Chambers
• Training and Development seminars
• Business breakfasts and lunches
• Alumni groups
• Forums
• Church/Sports Clubs
• Computerised networking groups
• References/Introductions
• Conferences

Click here to view a video on networking.