According to the experts, the “Human Network” is generally regarded as a social structure composed of individuals, business partners, friends, or other organizations connected through technology. Today, people are using all kinds of electronic devices such as PCs, cell phones, and PDA’s to keep in touch and to get to know each other.
Evidence of the human network can be found in the rapid rise of social networking. There is a multitude of online websites that offer individuals the opportunity to be connected to just about anyone, anywhere. You can fill in all your relevant information and be “matched” with others who have common interests. You can post your resume and recruiters can check the details on line and you can potentially get a call from someone who has never met you, but feels you have what they might need as far as a job opportunity is concerned. While all of this is wonderful, what happend to the old fashioned face-to-face networking that was once the only way to build relationships?
The human network can connect people to people in myriad ways, whether via emotional, cultural, idological, familial, or behavioural ties. Through most recent advances in communications technology, people are now more than ever inextricably linked through e-mail, photographs, wikis, blogs, podcast, instant messaging, and more.
While this type of network is called the wave of the future, I still prefer my “Human Network” and it is just that–it’s people.
People I take the time to meet face to face, to build a rapport with, to find out what we have in common. If there is a fit between us, I find out how we can help each other or to whom I can refer you.
I am finding that too many people are becoming connected through technology and never actually meet face to face with the “humans” in their network. They are losing the art of conversation and forgetting all about the importance of body language. In fact, people are becoming reclusive, depending on their technology to get them where they want to go. Many of the people in my workshops are not comfortable with this one to one information exchange and are opting out of what is, in my opinion, the best way to network.
I have over 25,000 people in my database, and every one of them I have met at some time. While I use technology to keep in touch with them, I have met all of them face to face.
I feel that taking the time to meet, to get to know each other, exchange information about ourselves- who we are, what we do, and what we need- is crucial to the success of any relationship. So, I host networking events, where participants are forced to become part of my “human network”.
My company ConnectUs Communications Canada is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and I have people in my database that have been with me from the beginning. The secret to my success is that I keep my contacts informed. I update their information when I touch base with them. I send them my newsletters, and sometimes I send them an article that might be relevant to their industry sector. My mandate is to keep my human network current, relevant, and ready to work with me if the need arises.
In order to maximize your “human network”, you need to know your communication style so that when you are in a face-to-face relationship, you know how to communicate with each other. Remember, people like people who are like themselves-they buy from them, sell to them, and refer them.
Being part of a human network means that you have to take the time to learn about the other person. I use a systematic approach to networking that never fails. Each person I meet is an opportunity for me to get to know them and to find ways to add value to our relationship. I am a strategist and I do my best to come up with strategy that benefits both of us.
With effective networking, there should be a win on both sides of every introduction. I am also a negotiator and I find that it is best to lay my cards on the table and tell the other person exactly what to expect from me, as well as what I expect from them. By being up front and clarifying our relationship, we both know what our responsibility will be to each other. Ultimately, we come up with a timely and relevant solution to really maximize our meeting.
If you want to maximize your “Human Network”, learn the art of effective networking.
Use the ConnectUs RISE philosophy. First, you build Rapport, and then exchange relevant and timely Information. Once you have done that, it is important to find practical Solutions that will benefit both of you. Ultimately, it’s an Ethically established relationship that maximizes your Human Network. (printed with permission)
Donna Messer is a speaker, author, and trainer. Founder of ConnectUs Communications Canada, the company designs, develops, and delivers resource-based training programs around the world. Donna specializes in building rapport between companies, countries, and individuals. For more information on The Human Networking System. www.connectuscanada.com
