As an introvert, I have only so much energy for networking, and therefore am pretty intentional about when and where I choose to network. I think I better define a couple of terms. Being an introvert doesn’t mean I don’t like people or don’t like being with people. The fundamental difference between introverts and extroverts is that extroverts are energized by being around people and introverts are energized by being alone. So, when I go to a networking event, I can enjoy meeting people and having meaningful discussions, but it takes more emotional energy to do so. Extroverts leave networking events ready to go to the next gathering.
The other term we need to clarify is networking itself. The dictionary defines networking as the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. Networking is occurring all the time. It’s how we stay connected and, as we have discovered through the last year and a half of social distancing, it’s pretty important to our well-being and our leadership success.
Youu want to connect with those whom you can influence for the greater good and impact as well.
The biggest issue for me is to be intentional about my networking. As a Leader of Impact, you want to make your life count. You want to connect with the people who will help you be successful in your personal, professional, and spiritual growth, and you want to connect with those whom you can influence for the greater good and impact as well. There will always be more things for us to do than we have time and energy for, so we will benefit from a couple of criteria when deciding where to spend our time. Here are some questions to ask ourselves.
- Will there be people at this event whom I can encourage in their life and leadership?
- Will there be people who are doing something that will stimulate my own growth?
- Is there potential for us to do something together that will make a greater impact?
As an action point, try asking those questions related to the upcoming Global LeaderImpact Summit. There will be great speakers from whom we can get encouragement and vision. There will also be a networking opportunity for those that register on November 5th at 7pm UTC (3 pm EDT). You will have an opportunity to meet with leaders from around the world to connect and talk about how to have a greater impact. This one is worth it.
For more information on the Summit Connect visit the LeaderImpact Summit site here.
