Thursday, April 10, 2008

Building and maintaining a network


As young people of the church we always talk about networking, maybe its one of those familiar words that we hear from our senior leaders again and again.  This definitely gives us an idea that even if we differ in opinion there is room for sharing of ideas for achieving a common mission.  Therefore, it is important to find out people whose vision and aim of life is parallel to ours.

Once I heard a saying "It is not what you know, it is not who you know, it is what you know about who you know."  When we talk about networking, which is the most powerful way to build professional relationships, actively foster contacts and disseminate information.

So how do we maintain a network? Answer is probably obvious that by being beware of networking errors. However, if care is given these errors can be easily done away with.  For that we need to be sincere; should not ask for (or expect) payback; respect other people's time; follow up and follow through on promises; use special care with referred 'friends'; should not make disparaging jokes; should not err on the side of politeness and formality; should not wait to be properly introduced rather practice a self-introduction; and always express gratitude and appreciation.

Above all organizing networking events such as fellowship, meetings and consultations at regular interval always helps in maintaining the network and makes it more effective.


Kasta Dip