Build your Personal Network

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It is considered that the number of people that turn out to your funeral represents a poll of your networking abilities. Networks of all kinds are a major factor of life from the family network to a global large network like the internet.

No one can live in isolation and our network of family, friends and colleagues all help us to live a richer, more rewarding life. Having a personal network built on our strong relationships with others is also good for physical health. In times of stress the first place we turn is to our network. Studies have shown that while work-related stress can increase blood pressure and contribute to heart disease, time spent with a spouse, family or friends can actually moderate the effects of job stress.

It is a fact of life the the more you give, the more you get and the more people you know the more ideas and opportunities that are available will come your way. There is no such thing as coincidences in life. The so called coincidences in life are usually the result of some kind of network you have put in place sometime in your past. Often in life when seeking a new job or information it is our social network that will provide us with the job or precise information we need. A network can also be more than our relationship with the people we know in our immediate environment. Much larger social networks can be easily tapped into such as the Internet where "virtual" friendships are made everyday. Popular sites such as secondlife and utube, along with the many forums and chat groups, all offer a way to substantially expand your personal network.

So how do you go about building your personal network?

The more people you make an effort to get to know the larger your personal network will become over time.

Be actively involved in your community. Volunteer your time to a hospital, old folks home, a city mission, an animal shelter - anywhere in your community that needs help.

Seek out groups offering activities relevant to your particular interests.

Go to church if you follow a faith. Attending services is an easy way to make regular contact with other members of a congregation.

Make an effort to be friendly and courteous to others. A smile is free and it benefits the giver as much as the receiver. People are more likely to approach you if your "natural" look is happy or neutral rather than if it's frowning or sad.

Get (or borrow) a dog. People will stop you and your dog to just say hello and it is a great way to meet the other dog owners in your area.

Take the time to keep in contact with the people you meet and you will quickly build up a strong social network of friends and colleagues.

For someone to be on your network you must feel comfortable about being able to ring them up and ask for assistance. If you feel uncomfortable about doing this then you cannot consider this person to be part of your network. Likewise if you haven’t contacted someone you have just met for more than 6 weeks after you first made contact with them, then they cannot be considered to be part of your personal network.

If you envision a large turnout at your funeral then take the time today to get to know more people and enrich your life and the lives of others through your personal network.

Living Mindfully