Networking or NetWeaving?

Have you heard the term NetWeaving?  I had not until recently; it is a form of networking that focuses on the concept of helping others rather than yourself.  The movie from a few years back called “Pay It Forward” was a similar concept.  When someone does something nice for you rather than paying back that individual, pay it forward to another person (or three others in the movie). 

To be honest, this is the way I’ve thought of networking for quite some time.  If you are always willing to help others out, then when it comes time that you are in need (hopefully a rare occasion) others will be there for you.  Bob Littell is the one who formalized the NetWeaving process and has worked with the author of “Pay it Forward” in a collaboration effort.

Most of what I am talking about here can be found at http://www.netweaving.com (Bob Little’s website)

The concept is simple and yet very effective.  Being the giver of assistance and career advice will provide countless opportunities for growth.  I know that without knowing what it was called, I’ve been the recipient of NetWeaving from my mentor.  He has shown this kindness to countless individuals.  His goal?  To help others in their career path.  What benefits does this do for him?  Well, if I count, me…I have stuck with my current organization in large part due to his “NetWeaving”.  Am I the only benefit?  I’m sure not, but it is a small example of how his unselfish caring efforts were a benefit.

NetWeaving has a 5-step process: (this is directly from the NetWeaving website: http://www.netweaving.com/steps.html )

1. At any meeting or social outing you attend, try and meet (max 3) people whom you would like to get to know better. Make sure to write some words or comments on their business card about what you discussed.
2. Followup NEXT DAY with a Note/Email summarizing several key points you heard and why you would like to get to know him/her better (if you can’t think of any good reasons, pass).
3. Schedule a One-on-One Meeting at which you talk a little about NetWeaving and why you like it; ask the other person the key NetWeaving questions (see Article).
   1. Is there someone I know who would benefit knowing or meeting this person?
   2. Could this person provide information and/or resources to someone else I know?
   3. Has this person impressed me so much that I need to get to know him or her better, and if they continue to impress me with their exceptional quality, make them a part of your Trusted Resource Network?
4. At either your first or second One-on-One Meeting, discuss “hosting and referrals” and commit to “hosting” a meeting for each other (see Article)
5. At the end of the Hosting Meeting you ask each of the persons to PIONTTO– Pass It On To Two Others (see Article).

I have not taken this out to the full five steps, but it does sound intriguing.   Giving back or even giving first is the nature of the Golden Rule and it has always payed to follow.   

Blogging and LinkedIN

OK, This is my first attempt at starting a Blog. I have been following a few and think I should give it a run. We’ll see if it sticks?!

I got a couple of invites to join LinkedIN a few weeks ago and I started to use the tool. It did a few things for me:
1. Re-connected me with people I haven’t talked to for a while
2. Started to show the size of network I have
3. Helped me understand that even if you are not looking for a new position, having your network in place is a good thing.

The tool itself is very cool; you can search and invite others into your network. Once you’ve gotten a good core group in your network you can see why the “six degrees of separation” theory has such a following. In the short time I have been on LinkedIN I have connected with 52 people I know (or have known in the past), that has translated to total network of 172,500 + that I can link to within 3 degrees. You can endorse others and other can endorse your work too.

Take a look at my public profile: JNay