your Network = your Net Worth
When it comes to your social capital, your Network = your Net Worth. In an industry as small and tight knit as Broadcast TV News, actively managing your professional network could be critical to your success.
I marvel that many young journalists equate the value of their network by the number of social media followers they have. For most in the business, these followers fall into two camps and neither are much help when navigating your career. Friends and Creepers.
Our networks go well beyond our social media of course. Networks exist both virtually and more tangibly, like our work relationships, associations, school, church, etc. Regardless of the venue, there are two important concepts to building, and maintaining, a high value network.
1. You must be INTENTIONAL on where and how you build your Network. Our networks make entry into new professional circles possible and those relationships can open amazing future opportunities. You need to be intentionally stretching the boundaries by getting comfortable being uncomfortable.
That said, networking isn't about meeting strangers. It's about intentionally connecting with influential people at the boundaries of your current network. Create a bulletproof elevator pitch or personal introduction and use it without being creepy. Make it memorable so each new connection can repeat it in your absence, further expanding your reach, and theirs!
2. You must NURTURE the relationships in your Network. My biggest pet peeve is how people treat the members inside their networks as disposable. They connect with others that they believe will be help reaching a short term goal, like finding a job. Predictably, once they land the role they abandon their new network. Arguably, the opposite should happen. They have a unique opportunity to nurture and grow.
Clearly we see this all the time on platforms like LinkedIn and TalentBlvd.com. Once the purpose is served, the network is dismissed until they need it again, usually in 2 or 3 years. These people become structural holes for the entire network and a source of discontent for other members. In terms of TalentBlvd.com, we have found it necessary from time to time to deactivate profiles of members that can't put being a good human first by showing others professional courtesy.
In summary, it's time to start thinking about being more proactive and less reactive when it comes to expanding your network. Try this, every week you should have a goal to connect with five new people on LinkedIn that you see as part of your future professional network. Also, don't be THAT person, the structural hole in your network because you've reached a short term goal and then abandoned simple professional courtesies.
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