Your Network – Quantity Versus Quality

«
August 2, 2011 by 2 Comments

Creating Your Network

Your NetworkI recently received a note about a podcast from the Harvard Business Review called “Getting Networking Right.“  Rob Cross discusses the difference between having a large network versus having quality in your network.  What does this mean?

If you have a large number of superficial relationships with most of your contacts, is that better or worse than having a modest size network where you have close relationships?

I have a rather large network, but my core or tribe comprises about 150 people.  These are the people I that I know on a personal level.  My tribe is who I know I can ask a favor and expect a positive outcome.  It is very important to have a strong tribe that supports you.  

Ask yourself, how many of your contacts do you know on a personal level?  How many do you feel comfortable going to for help?

Rob Cross also talks about having enough connectors in your network or tribe. Connectors are those people who have large networks and enjoy sharing them.  I am a connector.

Do you have connectors in your network? Do you know who they are?

One point the Rob Cross makes is to not over use your connectors. Use them wisely! Therefore, it is good to have many connectors in your tribe or network.

The quality of your network is much more important than the quantity. My next blog post will discuss how to maintain your network.

What is the quality of your network? What do you do to cultivate your network?

________________

Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons below?

Subscribe

You can also download my whitepaper “Don’t Retire Even If you Can and What to do Instead – A Baby Boomer Manifesto”

Please visit my Career Pivot FaceBook page daily for interesting articles.

Marc Miller Career Design Specialist

Filed Under: Career, Networking Tagged With: ,

Comments

  1. Matt Lind says:
    November 6, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    That concept of a tribe within my network really resonates. I compare this to someone who makes a LinkedIn connection with anyone and everyone simply to boost his connection numbers, but has forgotten the true goal of seeking help–and PROVIDING help–within that network.

    How much might personality type influence the building and maintenance of a network? For example, do introverts have an disadvantage because meeting new contacts takes more energy? Or do introverts have it easier because once the ice is broken, they find it natural to have a deeper relationship and hence build a true tribe?

    Looking forward to this networking series, Marc.

    Reply
    • Marc Miller says:
      November 6, 2011 at 9:06 pm

      Matthew,

      Check out Chad Peevy’s slideshare presentation called “150 Monkeys in Cyberspace” at http://www.slideshare.net/cdpeevy/150-monkeys-in-cyberspace

      It is all about understand your tribe and how technology has morphed this concept beyond physical bounds.

      Yes, those who are introverted or in Birkman terms low acceptance in their usual behavior, probably have to be more systematic in their networking. If you read the posts that follow you will see a process where you do this one on one and always asking for AIR.

      Marc

      Reply
«

Speak Your Mind

*