First a quote: “Your network is your net worth.” – Porter Gale
Hello and happy Monday.
Networking has long been recognized as a cornerstone of professional and personal success.
Whether you are building your career, starting a business, or simply trying to stay informed about opportunities, having a strong network is invaluable. The quote, “The time to develop a network… is before you need one,” serves as a powerful reminder that networking is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires intentional effort and foresight.
My suggestion in brief today: See proactive networking as an investment in your future!
The essence of this quote lies in the idea of preparation and proactivity.
Waiting until you face a challenge—whether it’s a job loss, the need for advice, or a desire to expand your business—is too late to begin building meaningful connections. A robust network, developed over time, provides you with access to trusted relationships, advice, and opportunities when you need them most.
“The richest people in the world look for and build networks; everyone else looks for work.” – Robert Kiyosaki
Proactive networking allows you to:
-
Build Genuine Relationships: Strong connections are built on trust and mutual value. When you network consistently, you foster authentic relationships that go beyond superficial exchanges.
-
Gain Insights and Opportunities: The more diverse and well-maintained your network, the more likely you are to hear about opportunities or gain valuable advice.
-
Develop a Safety Net: Life is unpredictable, and having a network of supportive individuals can help you navigate challenges with greater ease.
“Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.” – Michele Jennae
How to Build Your Network
-
Start Early and Be Consistent: Networking is not just for senior professionals. Whether you’re a student or just starting your career, begin cultivating relationships early. I propose you make an intentional effort to attend events, join communities, and connect with peers.
-
Offer Value First: Networking isn’t just about asking for help; it’s also about giving back. Share resources, insights, and/or support with others. When you focus on helping others, you naturally build goodwill. Most people tend to resent “networkers” who only take, while giving very little in return.
-
Stay in Touch: A network is only as strong as the relationships within it. Check in with your contacts regularly, whether through a quick message, coffee meeting, or virtual chat.
“The time to develop a network is before you need one” highlights the importance of being proactive. When you invest in building and maintaining your network consistently, you create a foundation that can support your growth and success in the long term.
Networking isn’t about collecting business cards—(Okay, I’m dating myself a bit here.) it’s about nurturing relationships that can provide mutual value for years to come.
How will you live, love, or lead, differently, or better, this week?
Sincerely,
Bryan Yager
“Expanding Your Capacity for Success”
Do you know someone who might benefit from this weekly leadership minute? If so, please feel free to pass along the subscription link below:
-
On LinkedIn: Click here to subscribe to the MMM newsletter on LinkedIn.(Recommended)
-
Via email: Click here to subscribe to MMM and have it sent directly to your email inbox each Monday. (Please note: I plan to discontinue this service later this fall. If you’re on LinkedIn, I recommend subscribing with link above.)
-
“Networking is an investment in your business. It takes time and when done correctly can yield great results for years to come.” – Diane Helbig
-
“The time to build a network… is way before you need one.” – Bryan Yager
-
“You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar
-
“Networking is simply the cultivating of mutually beneficial, give and take, win-win relationships.” – Bob Burg
-
“It’s not about finding great people; it’s about becoming a great person.” – Mark Yarnell
-
“Networking is marketing. Marketing yourself, your uniqueness, what you stand for.” – Christine Comaford-Lynch
-
“Instead of better glasses, your network gives you better eyes.” – Ronald Burt
-
“The successful networkers I know, the ones receiving tons of referrals and feeling truly happy about themselves, continually put the other person’s needs ahead of their own.” – Bob Burg
