Weaving a Network Web That Works

In the age of social media, it can seem like networking is easier and more effective than ever. But does it really work? This episode dissects the myth that big follower numbers means success and provides four strategies for creating stronger links that have true benefits.

Timestamps:

[00:06] - Intro

[00:37] - It’s tempting to see networking as being in a golden age.

[01:14] - Networking isn’t in a golden age--this is clearer if you look back at the way people used to network.

[01:49] - People used to put time and energy into finding the right people, not lots of people. They typically knew people they did business with on a personal level.

[02:21] - There’s a concept today that networking can be one-and-done, but that’s not true. You have to put in time.

[02:50] - There’s a tendency to see large followings as a sign of success, with some industries even refusing to partner with new people if they don’t have big enough accounts. But most links in large followings are really dead relationships.

[03:59] - You have to give up the idea that success in networking requires a big number. Researcher Robin Dunbar found that most people can have only about 150 meaningful relationships. 

[04:47] - Jesus was successful because he found people who would spread his message well. Veering from this model and refusing people based on follower count does not support innovation from new minds at all, because it allows only people who already have some degree of success to get in the door.

[06:08] - Jesus’ network was small, but it was incredibly effective. 

[06:34] - You still can use social media for good things.

[7:04] - Strategy 1: Make your values and goals clear in your profile and your posts.

[7:47] - Strategy 2: Understand what it is you can bring to the table. Go in knowing what your value proposition is and really communicate that.

[8:13] - Strategy 3: Start building your relationships early.

[8:30] - Strategy 4: Be physically visible.

[09:00] - Even with these strategies, there are other important considerations. But generally, think people, not platform.

[9:42] - Prayer

[10:40] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

• It can feel like we are in a golden age of network because of how many options we have and the reach platforms get. But this is a myth. 
• People used to network very differently. They took business seriously, but they invested in finding the right people, not lots of people. They got to know the people they did business with on a personal level because they were geographically and technologically more limited.
• Effective networking is not a one-and-done affair--you have to have repeated interactions and form real relationships.
• There’s a tendency to see large followings as a sign of good networking, but most because no one can interact with thousands of people personally every day, most of the relationships in big accounts aren’t relationships at all. They have no two-way communication going on, and the bigger the account, the more likely it is that the account holder will make it harder, not easier, to personally connect. 
• Most people can hold only about 150 meaningful relationships. So give up the idea that good networking means big numbers.
• Jesus didn’t bother with big numbers. He built a strong core circle instead and then trusted that circle to speak His message. His network was just 12 people, but it was arguably the most effective network in history.
• You still can use social media, but you have to do it in a smart way.
• There are four tips that can help you build a strong network, even on social media: 1) Make your values and goals clear in your profile and your posts. 2) Understand what it is you can bring to the table. Go in knowing what your value proposition is and really communicate that. 3) Start building your relationships early. 4) Be physically visible.
• Your network is not a failure if you’ve truly changed the life of the people in that network. That’s what being an influencer really means. 

Relevant Links:

Dunbar’s Number: Why We Can Only Maintain 150 Relationships

CTAs:

• Use the four strategies outlined in the show to build new relationships that can help you develop yourself or your business.
• Support the show by subscribing or signing up for the email list at faithfulontheclock.captivate.fm, or becoming a member at patreon.com/faithfulontheclock. 

What’s coming up next:

The more your business grows, the more delegating becomes a reality. How can you do this, though, without losing a sense of purpose and connection to the work, or without your voice and message getting diluted? That’s coming up in Episode 16 of Faithful on the Clock.