Creating networks

I was fortunate to have attended Grace Hopper Convention in 2017 at Orlando. At the event, I met Kelly Hoey and got her book called ‘Build your dream network’.

My interaction with her got me thinking why networks are so important.

Networks are not only for work. They need to exist for life too. Your family, friends and close colleagues.

For family, it’s cousins and aunties and uncles you are close to. You can confide in them. You can share your life stories with them.

For friends, it’s people you resonate with. There is always comfort in meeting them. You laugh together and cry together. If it’s couples, then usually they are on your network because all partners get along really well. Your hobbies are similar. Your food preferences are similar. Heck, even your political views are similar.

For work, it’s people you want to learn from. You admire their tenacity. You want to learn from them about how to conduct yourself in a professional environment. They also give you free feedback without you asking for it. There are also people in your network who you want to help grow. Their is a great sense of reward in seeing someone grow into a successful career. You help them understand the risks that are worthy of taking. And they are hungry for more help in direction and choices.

The one thing that is common between all these types of networks is there is no judgement. There is also a high degree of trust.

Your networks must help you give respite. They should help you laugh. They should help you feel better if you need to vent.

I cannot stress anymore the importance of having strong networks. And how important it is to invest time in your networks. And invest energy. If there is no resonance, it’s probably not the right network.

Also, small gestures go a long way to help maintain your network. I remember once a peer bought me a pastry as I was having a shit day at work. No one liked to work with this person as they were ‘different’. But to me they left a lasting impression which I will hold close for a very long time.

This story is a shoutout to my network. I hope I give you joy, hope or inspiration every time we meet 🙂