How to Make Your Networks … Work
Networks are the spirit of the age. Today we are connected to more people, in more countries and industries than ever before. Yet as we struggle to expand our networks, join others’, and harness their effects, there’s a sense in which we are failing to realise the potential or benefits that these networks should provide.
So what’s missing? One answer already lies between our ears:
Research suggests that stochastic, unpredictable activity at a neural level is critical for brain function[1]. Without the random firings of loose cannon neurons, the networks within the brain would deadlock into redundant cycles and cease to function in a novel or productive way.
In short, noisy, spontaneous networks, function better than clean, predictable ones.
The lessons for business are immediately apparent:
1. Make new connections. Try not to premeditate the outcome like ‘this person knows about x so might be able to help me with y.’ Rather, connect with someone in an entirely different industry with no obvious synergy to your own. Meet up, listen and learn without trying to refer everything back to your own work. Let the connection exists on it’s own merits and then be open to where it might lead.
2. Be (only slightly) random. Firstly, spontaneity is seasoning, not the main dish, so before you freak out your colleagues…
3. … Strengthen existing connections. If you only ever email, call. If you only call, lunch. You never know what new ideas might be sparked by a meandering conversation over two courses.
4. Plan it. Busy diaries militate against spontaneity so the reality is that a healthy, vibrant network is by design and random connecting has to be prioritised and scheduled.
5. Get outside. Connections take effort to maintain and are correspondingly rewarding. Therefore, social networks are good to initiate connections but they are too shallow to be truly productive; you won’t be real to someone until they’ve met you offline.
6. Finally, follow Perry Farrell on Facebook. Just because...