Building your network strategically.(extra credit)

We all know that the economy has shifted; how could you not know it? The economy is what the economy is; we can stay up nights worrying about it, but that achieves nothing. As I network and have the opportunity to speak with people, I have noticed a very strong trend. There are two kinds of people out there: those with strong networks and those without strong networks. Those with strong networks seem to be upbeat, positive and not caught up in the hype of the bad economy, while those without networks seem to be struggling to come to grips with their current situation, having nowhere to turn or no one to connect to.

While the economy does indeed play a major role in our ability to do business with others, having a strong network that is nurtured and easily accessed is vital to our ability to move forward with ease. Employees who have been downsized and find themselves seeking work are faring better if they have developed and maintained a strong network of people who can help to connect them, support them and pass them needed information; they too suffer from less of the gloom and doom attitude.

Think of the tightrope walkers at the circus; under the wire is a very large net and should the performer fall, the net is there to catch them. Your network is your net when you are facing economic tough times. If you have spent little time building and nurturing that network in the last three to five years, it will feel like you are walking a tightrope without a net.

There are three important networks to consider developing, not just for your professional life but your personal life as well.

1. Your Support Network

Everyone needs a support network. Unfortunately, people often find themselves in a position of needing support and having no one in their network who can help them. They did not develop this network prior to needing it, once you need it you are behind the eight ball. Your support network can be valuable for many of your personal and professional needs. People who may be in your support network might include the following:

Mentors past or present