Network Ad nauseam

Business is business, so I won’t make excuses as I step up to the pulpit and spew. Let’s go right to the technical definition for network, which I’m sure you know. Techopedia’s definition suits my objective well. “A computer network is a group of computer systems and other computing hardware devices that are linked together through communication channels to facilitate communication and resource-sharing among a wide range of users. Networks are commonly categorized based on their characteristics.” You can say that again.

Here’s where I’m going with this topic. It seems that we all feel compelled to network. There is Facebook and numerous other social networking sites that I’ll not take the time to list. Once you start with social media, it becomes addictive.  If you post something, by all means it’s important to see who is giving a thumbs up. The problem begins when three hours have past because you’ve checked out a video, read an article, or slipped over onto the Sierra Trading (or Amazon, etc.) website because there’s a discount on top of a discount being offered.  How much time has been wasted? And I profess not to like Facebook; I just do it for my business, I say. I’ve written about this before, and the truth is, I want to keep up with family and friends, and know what’s going on in their lives - it’s fun. We are social beings, after all. Shopping, videos, some amazing weird talent, bizarre weather across the globe, and flash sales, I simply don’t have time for. I’m not buying anything! Period.

Then, there is business. You need to connect, keep up with the trends, check out the competition, and position yourself on LinkedIn. As of now, I’m playing renegade in the business world and have not joined LinkedIn or Twitter – we’ll see how long that lasts. Business is business, or is it?

This is where I really where wanted to begin my sermon, and it goes back to the technical definition – “resource-sharing.”  Major business publications and universities consider networking critical for not only your business, but your personal growth. There is a mountainous number of articles stating the importance of having a network who share a similar drive and ambition to draw energy from and keep you going.

So, what’s the problem? First, I agree that it is important to share knowledge, seek opportunities, make connections, raise your profile, and all of the bulleted points that noted business articles list. My position is that the focus is concentrated outside of the self – in the research, the proven model, the science, the statistics, the board of directors, a partner, and any other outside source – rather than the inner network of ourselves.

Creativity doesn’t come from an outside source. It comes from an inner experience - a curiosity, a desire and courage to go beyond what is, to what could be. It is an inner resource. Whether it involves solving a personal problem, or ideas for creating a new world culture. Accessing this inner network of resources created the technological renaissance we’re experiencing today.

We can’t use another person’s academic credentials, nor have access to their bank account, but we often borrow or use another person’s inspiration, only to find ourselves depleted, and unable to reboot without an outside resource. I’m not saying this isn’t useful – we all need to reach out to others at times. However, I do think it is essential to be able to draw upon and trust our own inner network of ideas and ideals. 
 
And of course, this is a perfect segue to LOG OFF. I believe it is vital to first network within ourselves, to access the programs that are hardwired in our hearts. This foundation will make the other networks stronger and more dynamic.

Feeling much better.

The SEARCH goes on. Join me.
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