How do leaders build networks and use them?

Leaders connect people to opportunities and thereby build their network. In a world where Givers are considered the most successful people , new realisation is coming into place that people who help other collaborate to create greater value are more successful than those who are giving what they have. And connecting people to each other and to opportunities to create more value is great way of building network also. By doing this leaders put themselves at the centre of the network and create greatest value for self in the process.

Leaders are always looking for and listening for opportunities for self and others, that can be gifted and can be used as connecting point for two or more parties or individuals.

Connecting various people is one thing and can be of little significance, but as soon as you add an opportunity to create more value between parties, your influence in that network increases which can be converted into more opportunities for yourself in future, as they say, your network is your net worth. Thats why leaders are always looking to connect people with opportunities.

When we talk about leaders connecting people with opportunities , that doesn’t mean they are power brokers or business brokers, it simply means they are looking to add real value to every ones life they come across. It is not about introducing two individuals without any purpose , shaking hands, exchanging cards and then forget about them. It is about developing an attitude of “How can I help” or “ how can I add value “.

So leaders build network by creating more value by connecting people with opportunities, thereby creating a network of value creators, collaborators, and givers. And what by building that value network, they attract more and more opportunities for self and everyone the network. This value network, beyond a point , start expanding its attraction or magnetic field in a fast and strong way. All big and successful networks like Young Presidents Organisation, Entrepreneurs Organisation are good example of this theory. They bring together great leaders from various industries and create so much value for each other, and connect their fellow members to so many great opportunities that now everyone likes to be part of the same.

Following the above mentioned example, then the next obvious question is “ do you need to have a formal structure of networking” or “Do you we need to be part of a Structure network like YPO or EO”? And the simple answer is “Yes” and “NO”. Yes because structured networking platforms help you find more and more opportunities that can be used to connect people to. It becomes easier to connect people with opportunities in a structured network , if you are part of it. But it leaves less influence for the leader to build as everyone understand the the structure is more powerful then an individual and its the structure which is working, so the credit goes to that and you end up becoming just an instrument in it.

So if you wish to become a leader who build networks and like to use it for self and others and build a position for self as network leader or great networker, then need to be conscious about the time it takes to do so, as it will be time and focus away from your business , focusing on something which will work for you in future.