Building CAUSL - Episode 11: The Network Garden
Building a strong network is like tending to a garden. In order for it to flourish, it needs a gardener.
I've been told I apologise a lot... ironically, that's one thing I'm not sorry about haha. All jokes aside, I'm sorry that these aren't as frequent as they used to be. I don't like writing for the sake of writing. I only write when I feel like I have something valuable to say. Today feels like one of those days.
The importance of network
As month 6 of trading draws to a close, I want to take a step back and reflect on one of the most important reasons why I've made it this far – people. The power of human connections, the relationships we foster and the networks we build, these have been my secret weapon. I imagine this is true for any founder, especially during the early stages.
Years ago, I would have cringed at the concept of building a network, but experience has been a powerful teacher. Over the last five years, and specifically these past 6 months, I've seen firsthand the impact a strong network can have! So much so, that it's turned me into an ardent advocate of this vitally misunderstood part of "grown up life". Turns out that it's not cringey at all.
The people in my network have helped me grow professionally. They've helped me generate leads, offered me advice and guidance, and some have even become clients. I don't think I would have even made it 6 months without my network.
But before you go about hurling LinkedIn requests like a hyperactive monkey flinging poo at other monkeys and hoping for something to land (sorry about this analogy), you might want to understand the concept of networking, as it's often misunderstood. Networking is not about spam connecting with everyone in the world. No siree. It's more like carefully planting seeds, tending to a garden, and watching it bloom, where each plant, including you, plays its part.
What is a Network, Really?
A network is a complex and vibrant ecosystem that you nurture and grow. You are an integral part of this system; the gardener of your network. If the garden thrives, you thrive. So it's your responsibility to maintain it.
The network-garden analogy rings true in every sense - if you neglect it, it dies. Overharvest without giving back, it withers. Scatter seeds without regularly watering them, they won't sprout. Similarly a thriving network relies not only on the volume of your connections, but also in the quality of those connections and the mutual exchanges they bring.
Cultivating Your Network
So how do you build a network? This question is really the heart of this post. The building of a network involves a delicate balance of active and passive engagement.
Active engagement is straightforward – attending events and speaking to people, reaching out to potential connections, starting conversations, contributing to discussions, and participating actively in the community.
Passive engagement might seem contradictory, but it’s equally important. It includes creating valuable content, sharing knowledge, speaking at conferences, staying in tune with your industry, and being available for advice or support.
Passive engagement is about being a beacon that naturally draws others towards you while active engagement is all about moving towards others.
The Golden Rule: Exchange of Value
The essence of a strong network lies in the principle of mutual exchange of value. Just like in our garden, the ecosystem thrives on give-and-take. Networking isn't about what you can mine from the relationship, but what you can sow into it. Be a resource, offer assistance, and share knowledge, and you'll find that your network blooms.
A powerful network serves as a feedback loop – the more you contribute, the more you gain, in a virtuous cycle of mutual growth and benefit. Building CAUSL has been challenging, but thankfully I've had my network to lean on to help keep me going.
I just want to finish by saying that the human element should never be underestimated. The relationships we build and grow can sometimes be the forces we need to propel us forward, from a fledgling idea to a flourishing reality.