The networks we belong to can bring a lot of benefits and change the course of lives and reduce unnecessary hurdles when trying to achieve different goals. Furthermore, networks can be of great help in times of distress and need as one can tap into such rapidly in order to get relief.
By the nature of networks, networks tend to grow faster as they expand; the bigger your network is, the bigger potential it has for growth. But to expand and fully utilize networks, it takes very conscious and persistent curation.
For as long as has been recorded, networks have played a decisive role in society and are nothing new. But in modern times – especially with the rise of the internet and its powerful networks effects – networks have taken on a new dimension. No longer are networks predominantly constrained by geography; such barriers virtually don’t exist anymore.
For example, with the help of a Facebook group or any other platform-based group driven by the internet its networks effects, networking and collaborating with people on the other side of the globe on very complex projects is now common place. Furthermore, people, have the ability in some cases to fine-tune their network preferences using algorithms.
But one aspect of networking exist which some people might not be comfortable with but which has brought massive benefits into my life. That is paying to get into networks!
In a way this might sound like paying for friends. But its not, especially when such networks are used as leverage to reach professional goals. Such networks are usually win-win for everyone. Just as much as I have met a lot of people who have helped me out, I have also been of help with people and in many cases given them references which have been of help to them.
Also, most internet based networks on say Facebook tend to have a cluttered feel which makes it hard to efficiently keep up with whats going on in such groups. But the most exclusive a group is, the easier it tends to be to communicate with every one in the group and keep up with everything going on. Furthermore, such groups tend to be able to classify its members according to their interest and needs with sub groups.
In deciding if such an approach is for you or not, a number of things have to be considered.
Think about the value which would be gotten from a network over a period of say one year, two years, five years, or ten years. Then think about how much you spend each month on things like Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks each month and compare that to what you pay to be such networks each month and also the value you get from a network over a defined time period. Coming up with a monetary tag value is not an exact science and different people would use different metrics but such values are only meant to be ball park estimates and act as a guide. Furthermore, try and estimate how much the network is worth. Then compare all these values to how much you pay to be in that network. I can assure you that if used efficiently, value extracted from such a network will far outweigh cost by a lop-sided margin.
We live in a time of unparalleled connectivity which could act as a catalyst for unparalleled human flourishing. But human flourishing starts with each individual trying to reach their potential by serving others. In order for each person to reach their potential and serve others, they need to grow and nurture their networks on which they would coast towards their goals.
