A lot of people these days talk about their network and how they're trying to build it up well; it finally seems like the majority of people, especially the young ones, are beginning to realize how much of a difference a strong network can make. How...
"You become the average of the people you hangout with"
Yes, having a good and solid network will always play a vital role in your life, whether it be personal or professional. Having friends you can count on, trustable contacts and acquaintances, family members you can look up to and many more. It often times very naturally helps you build a foundation, guides you towards and through a well advised path; you might not even notice the effect it has on you, but I can assure you that it's there.
Yet, I feel like many people get the wrong idea when it comes to evaluating their network.
As they say our network = net-worth, which many would agree with.
Our value only goes up when we have a person or group of people on whom we can "effectively" rely on. It can be a person who you can randomly call up at the middle of the night for help, and they won't hesitate even for a second. When you're in need of a sudden loan and you have at least two or three people you're reminded of immediately, resting assured that you'll be able to borrow that money, no questions asked even. Maybe even gain access to some "inside" information about a certain "thing" from a friend or relative, a favor at at workplace even. Having a friend, mentor or a "guru" who cooperates and willingly decides to guide you, help you with your business, a side hustle even.
These are the things and the type of people that make up and complete a proper network.
Sadly, many think it's the number of Facebook friends we have, the number of people we regularly chat with, or the internet stranger who is just very friendly and always ready to help with any basic task.
Now, don't get me wrong, sometimes even these things do add up towards building a proper network, but it won't happen by itself. You have to get yourself out there, make yourself known, show what you are capable of, talk about your goals and your passion in order to build a proper relationship. Then maybe one day, a random "internet stranger" will guide you towards something productive, help you secure a deal that you were looking for all along.
I say it that way because I too have such moments, where a few random "online buddies" have quite selflessly showed up when I was in need, which then lead towards a solid relationship, a friendship; thus, solidifying our networks and relationships. But you also have to ready to give back, to add value to their lives, in order for it be an effective relationship.
Now I know many of such people who I can rely on, some of them I even consider nothing less than family. We started as strangers and now most of us are working towards something, growing, making progress together, step by step, slow and steady.
Yes, hard work, consistency, discipline, perseverance, it all matters, but you really don't make it that far when you're alone, no one does.
So, a group of people you can trust, a group that trusts you, and a ton of faith in one other. That's what you really need to succeed.
You make life good for them, they do the same for you; find such people and keep them close, and take them with you all the way, ride or die. And remember, have fun while you're at it, conquering the world together, or maybe just the colony haha.
Cheers 🥃
"If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together" - Anonymous