![Robin Blandford [ ByteSurgery.com ]](http://www.bytesurgery.com/blog/wp-content/themes/starkers/images/blank.gif)
02/04/08 Network Building: Becoming A Node
SINGAPORE - I recently addressed the question “I know everyone in my team, why do I need contacts outside my group?”. My answer was because no project is an island and you need to gain a wider view on company priorities.
But on reflection, it’s much more than that.
You need to become an active node on the network. A high traffic node. A node through which lots of information passes. A bright spot when viewed from space.
Picture a person standing at Piccadilly Circus who in their ‘up-time’ tries to speak to everyone who walks-by in the constant stream. In their down-time they tune out the chatter but still feel the vibe around them - ready on command to respond when something alerts them though their filter levels. Compare this to the person standing on an empty, slightly damp, back-street lane. While their downtime could be considered productive it is also slow to react, independent and cut-off. Meanwhile their up-time may arrive and nobody is about. Lost time. Lost progression.
When you become the person at the busy junction, you will inherently become first to know information. Try to have as much information flow through you as possible. The more information you process, even touch on, the more valuable a resource you become. This is a given.
Note: I define uptime as the time when you are in extrovert mode, looking for external influences to inspire or excite. I see downtime as introvert moments going deep into self conversation, thinking or thought-processing.
(Image Credit: Could this be much better? Last week on Koh Tao Island, Thailand. By Author.)
Tags: network building, node
1 Comment
well said Robin.. If you’re not regularly communicating amongst friends, you’re out of the loop and amiss of what happens with them.
The same goes for work or any other type of contact. If you’re not keeping your finger on the pulse (even if only vaguely watching it, i.e. “eady on command to respond when something alerts them though their filter levels.”), you’re not in a position to take action.
As I start a new job, that’s my number one priority - get involved in as many things as possible!
