Extraordinary Networks Arise from Trusting Connections.

On occasion, the phrase “Networking” provokes an image of strangers on a mission, delivering smart-sounding elevator pitches, engaging in animated small talk, and quick to offer network collectibles, otherwise known as business cards.

Not long ago, the business card often outlasted any recollection of the conversation, the person, or the potential for the connection. Thankfully, the practice of networking has become a stickier proposition. Shortly after meeting, we extend invitations to link and join, and make requests to follow. Social networking technology facilitates the follow-up and the creation of communities however; technology alone does not create trust or develop the connection.

Trust is the life-blood of your network.

Credibility, support and influence are the by-products of trust, and enable your network to have currency. Stated simply, the value of a network is only as great as the trust present in the relationship. Trust equals currency. Be careful not to equate proximity or frequency of interaction (with a connection) with trust.

I offer the following as an example of a relationship that may be, “close, but not trusting. “

Your colleague and neighbor Eddie is someone you see almost daily. You lent him $500.00 he promised to repay last summer, but now the subject doesn’t come up, unless you mention it. It’s likely you trusted him more before you lent him the money, than you do now. And you may still consider your connection to Eddie a close one. However, close does not equal trust.

Trust begins with you.

Following-up and being in contact, and are important to the evolution of your network. The more your new and existing connections learn about you, and what you’re up to, the more affinity you’re likely to generate. Beware, in are efforts to create value for others in our networks, there are times we make promises we don’t keep. If this sounds familiar, it’s important to clear the air. Mistakes happen, we all make them. However, avoiding the people in our network because of our own mistakes is dangerous. Avoidance is a leading cause of loss of credibility and trust and relegates our networks to “ordinary,” non-productive relationships.

Being responsible means owning our mistakes, establishing new promises, and communicating our results – whatever they are!

Networks work when connections are trusted.

Sometimes, credibility comes from the people you are connected to because THEY have amazing credibility. Their integrity is big enough to carry others. They are the examples that “a powerful network elevates the leader.” That credibility comes from integrity.

Integrity is essential to an Extraordinary Network. Integrity implies something that is whole, and being whole allows you to own your promises and your actions when they work, and even when they don’t.

When trust is formed, it is the trusting connection that gives you power to form an extraordinary network.