Networking Buzzzz: Caring to be connected

Keith Ferrazzi was a co-author of Never eat alone: And other secrets to success, one relationship at a time. Brian Uzzi is a co-author of How to build your network.

Two authors with 4z’s in their names are contributing to a renewed buzzzz on relationships, connecting, and networking.

A strength-based leader knows the importance of caring connections. A leader’s work is done with others and through others. Never eat alone begins with this Margaret Wheatley quote:

Relationships are all there is. Everything in the universe only exists because it is in relationship to everything else. Nothing exists in isolation. We have to stop pretending we are individuals that can go it alone.

Ramit Sethi talked about how networking is viewed by many as a dirty word or a sleazy collection of business cards. He disagreed saying networking is “about having deep relationships and giving more to people than you expect back.” This is synonymous with the love demonstrated by the strength-based leader.

Networking and relationships are transforming. Our connection may energize both of us and be of mutual benefit. I borrowed Never eat alone from my public library and the librarian was commenting that she read the book and that it was quite helpful. You could say we even networked for a just a couple of moments about the book and I believe we will have a stronger relationship next week when I return.

If you want to sample Ferrazzi’s thinking, visit the blog: Never eat alone. Business week just published an article on Ferrazzi on Networking for the right reasons. This includes how to manage 250 important relationships. If you read the book, whatever you do, try to avoid reading it alone at your desk while you eat lunch.

There are many pathways to networking. Perhaps you are looking for a more traditional or strategic view of networking. Brian Uzzi and Shannon Dunlap wrote a Harvard Business Review article on How to build your network. They examine the inner workings of networks, how to diagnose your current network, create a more potent one, and actively manage it. It includes a method to map your network and determine the next steps to build a more effective network. This article is currently available for free on line by clicking here.

Carry on caring and caring enough to be connected from A to Zzzz.