Do You Know Your Networking ABC's...?

"A, B, C...
It's easy as 1,2,3...
And simple as Do Re Mi,
A, B,C...1,2,3,
Baby you and me, girl..."

Those are words to a familiar chorus heard by many kids who grew up in my generation back in the 60's and 70's, made popular by a group called the Jackson 5: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and of course, Michael. Now I admit to not knowing all the words (not many of us did, nor did we care; we just liked the song). I do recall that they were singing about the simplicity of love and romance, but more to the point, they sang about the importance of relating to others. What they sang about so many years ago is still important today, knowing your ABC's...

A is ADD Value

Everybody who walks this earth has the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of other people. Unfortunately, not everybody is willing to do so, either because they don't believe they are capable, or it could be that they don't realize how much power they possess. Truth is, you'll never find out what you can do for others until you reach out to others:

"A life is not important except in its impact on other lives." - Jackie Robinson

B is BUILD relationships

"The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself." - Proverbs 11:25 NKJV

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly..." - Proverbs 18:24 NKJV

As the saying goes, no man is an island. We cannot relate to others until we reach out to others. In fact, a relationship cannot be built until a relationship is started.  You may be reluctant to reach out for fear of being hurt. That's understandable, but you must realize this is one of the risks of life. On the flip side, you must consider that there is no reward without risk, just as there is no capacity for hurt without a corresponding capacity for healing.  Every coin has two sides. Everyone might not be your cup of tea (and vice versa), but there are enough people on the planet with whom you can share a sip.

C is CONNECT with others

C is closely related to B in that they work hand in hand, especially after you have reached out successfully to people with whom you share a like mind.  Finding common ground is important, as this will help strengthen the bonds you have forged.  Even when you have moments where you don't see eye to eye, you can still agree to disagree and share a sense of mutual respect for standing firm in the courage of your convictions. Doing so is a win-win situation, as you build confidence within yourself as well as your relationships with others.

As you continue the process, you will see that there is no perfect order, A, B, and C are intertwined. It does not matter which comes first or last, but you must realize all three facets are necessary and equally important in order to bond with like-minded people successfully. If it is true that your network is your net worth, then you can use this strategy to build strength in numbers for your life as you benefit the lives of others.

So,

ADD value...
BUILD relationships...
CONNECT with others...

And you will learn just as the Jackson 5 sang so many years ago, it really is:

A, B, C...
Easy as 1, 2, 3...
And simple as DO, RE, MI...
ABC...123...

But it starts with you and me...

That's all for now, gotta run.  Until we meet again, remember:

Keep it simple....See ya!