With our economy in a recession and unemployment at the highest rate it’s been in over 16 years, there is no hiding from the fallout…we’re all feeling it. However, there is a silver lining in this dark cloud we’re all sitting under. There has never been a better time to invest in growing your network and social capital than now.
I have lived through several recessions in my lifetime and the one consistent observation I’ve made is how people seem to shift their priorities to focus on what really matters during lean times…relationships. This is the time to start reaching out to people in your network and looking for ways to be a resource to others to increase your netWORTH™.
Your netWORTH™ is determined by your access and influence (which I call your “A & I factor”) that you have with your network. Now is a great time to gain access to people you want to meet or have not seen in a while because business is slower and people are more available. You will gain more influence when you focus on bringing value to others and commit to being a resource. Approach your network with your arms open.
Focus on both your external and internal networks. If you’re lucky enough to still be employed, look for ways to bring value to others within your organization (internal network) as well as to people you know outside of work (external network). The higher your “A & I factor” is, the harder it will become to lay you off. Simply put, the most valuable employees are the ones standing at the intersection of life looking for ways to connect people, opportunities and ideas.
The good news is you can start right now. If you want to improve your “A & I factor” and increase your social capital simply make the choice to do so. Your new mantra should be, “How can I be a resource to someone today?” When you start putting that intention out to the world, you will be amazed at what will show up.
Here are a couple of action steps to get you started:
1) Make a list of people you haven’t talked to in a while and start making phone calls, send a card, or email to reach out. As Confucius Bell once said, “A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single phone call.”
2) Join the social networking revolution! Get on board with a social networking site like facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or MySpace and discover your 6 degrees of connection! Your A & I Factor will rise when you’re able to share and receive information and resources from your global online network.
3) Accept every invitation you get to attend a party, training, professional association or meeting. Volunteer to be on a committee or task force that will create new connections and opportunities for you.
The hottest commodity in 2009 is your network. Treat it with the care and respect it deserves and it will be there for you when you need it.
