You Need More Than a Social Network: Develop Relationships That Matter
Fortune magazine’s May 23 issue includes an interesting article about Bill Daley, member of the iconic Chicago Daley clan and currently President Obama’s Chief of Staff. The piece focuses on the value of relationships—not the “everybody-knows-everything” aspects but the value of developing a personal network. Daly states, "I've always thought politics was about relationships and people. It's about engaging people, listening to them, understanding what motivates them."
I agree. In fact, I’d venture to say that no other public forum relies more on the power of, and the need for, deeply developed personal relationships than politics. Despite anyone’s opinion of politicians, one thing is certain—without their personal networks, their influence would be minimal.
But isn’t that so in any business? Whether you’re a politician or a professional, you need more than a social network.
The interactions leading up to that “magical handshake” often occur behind the scenes, not on social media platforms. Converting contacts from your social network to your personal network creates the momentum that leads to lasting value. Better still, capitalizing on the orbital, or extended, networks of those in your personal network allows you to extend your reach beyond those whom you know to those whom you need to know…and those who stand to benefit from an awareness of you and what you have to offer.
By discovering common connections, you develop deeper bonds. But it’s organized, disciplined contact management that helps you make the most of the details you learn about people. In any field, those little details don’t mean a lot—they mean everything!
Bill Daley understands the importance of building and maintaining a personal network. He has painstakingly and determinedly developed relationships that matter. When needed, it’s those relationships that get results. In his case, it took him all the way to the White House and the President’s inner circle.
Daley also adds that while relationships have their limitations, “…if there is a personal relationship, there is a comfort that if you say you’ll do A, B, and C, you’ll do it.”
In the Oval Office or your corner office, relationships matter. Look for opportunities to reach out to the people in your network—and the people in their networks—in ways that offer true value to others. Offer to make introductions and connections for those in your orbits of influence. Record the details that could prove valuable later. Make your personal networks, well, personal.
I find it interesting that at the end of the day, it comes down to the strength and reach of one’s REAL personal network. Not the size of one’s social media presence. What does that tell you?
