More about Networking

Networking is the activity of building and maintaining relationships with people that we know, knew, and will get to know. Networking effectively long-term requires the successful and positive maintenance of the relationships that we seek to utilize in our benefit. And of course, as it can be expected in any positive relationship, it must be MUTUALLY beneficial. Otherwise, sooner or later, the person networking will run out of friends.

We need to tap into the network of relationships of others and expand our network. It is not enough to just be able to tap into these networks. We need to actually publish ourselves and market our skills to these individuals. This way they will remember 'ME' when it counts. In other words, become an expert in self-branding.

This is what some people confuse networking or network marketing with:

This was the posed question or concern:

How can we categorize the Network Marketing direct selling method really a true networking method?

I am investigating conflicts in business selling methods. For example, people in the MLM business are networking one with another if they are in a direct upline or downline. But the conflict experienced is with the upline. The upline has other downlines that are in competition with any other downlines of the subject upline. My point to true or untrue or semi-true networking: If it was a true network, information would easily flow upwards and downwards and sidewards. But if sharing information across a downline, conflict arises between the downline parties and the information dissemination stops and people start fighting. How can this be solved? And to true networking, I am sure we can all agree that true networking is if information flows equally beneficial to all parties involved, from and too... Thank for your comments. Thomas Fox

Comments (2)

1.   A Professional Scout, Derhak Ireland & Partners - (anonymous)
   

   Thomas,
   
   The sharing of information in network marketing or MLM needs to be an upwards/downwards flow to eliminate any conflict of interest.
   
   An upline communicating with their down-line is appropriate because that up-line has that individuals best interest at heart. Whereas, cross-lining (an individual sharing information with another individual that is neither in their up-line or down-line) is extremely dangerous because that person does not have the other persons best interest at heart.
   
   Hope this helps.
   
   Name anonymous

1. A Senior Sales Management Executive (anonymous)
   

1. Thomas,
   
   I have to agree with xxxxxx, Cross-line information exchange can be dangerous because the cross-line very well maybe competing with the others for business, contest and recognition. One way to help this is for the upline to set a positive professional example in the way she communicates with her upline and cross-lines.
   
   Good Luck

Continuous discussion between the experts:

----- Original Message -----

From: mluke60@xxx.com

To: thomasf@tffox.com

Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 8:40 AM

Subject: Re: How can we categorize the Network Marketing direct selling method really a true networking method?

Thomas,
I believe Recognition can be a stronger motivator than money.  You recognize the behavior you want. Almost everyones faviorte word is their name.  

I hope this helps
xxxxxxx


-----Original Message-----
From: Thomas F. Fox - www.tffox.com <thomasf@tffox.com>
To: Mxxxxxxx <mluke60@xxx.com>
Sent: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 12:17 am
Subject: RE: How can we categorize the Network Marketing direct selling method really a true networking method?

University Walden - Ph.D. Student Discussion about Networking:

1. What does "networking" mean to you? 

2. How have you used "networking" in your work life? 

3. What makes "networking" still a viable concept today? 

4. How has "networking" helped you in the past? Please cite sources for your statements where possible.

Community Forum #2

Community Forum # 2 1.- What does " networking " mean to you? Networking is the art of building/sharing/connecting with others that have the same interests and activities using any available and appropriate mediums. 2,- How have you used " networking " in your work life ? I have registered and got involved in Linkedin, Face Book and Instant Messaging just to name a few. It has been immensely helpful and reciprocally gratifying. In fact, this is the purpose of networking: discuss job prospecting ( if unemployed); exchange advice and suggestions ( about any subject matter ); and be knowledgeable about the career fields. 3.- What makes " networking" still a viable concept yoday ? Networking is still indispensable because of its effectiveness in finding jobs, closing a deal on a house, enrolling in a good school. "Word of mouth/referral" always prevails. 4.- How has " networking " helped you in the past ? I 've found most of my past, present and probably my future job thru networking. : " word of mouth/ referral" .A friend of a friend referred me to the company he/she worked for. There was a vacancy for a CPA/Accountant position and encouraged me to apply for it. I was hired . Most of those jobs are not advertising. Sometimes it is a " hidden market". Networking works and highly recommend it. Thanks, Herbert Mouscardy ID # A00043071 EST/New York Applied Management & Decision Sciences/ Organization Leadership and Change Phones : 718 -562 -5681 ( Home.Work) ; 917 -284 -2956 (Mobile) Emails : herbert.mouscardy@waldenu.edu ; herbertmouscardy@yahoo.com Date Modified: 3 Feb 09    9:02 PM MST            Whitman Browne 3 Feb 09    7:03 PM MST Herbert: Interesting response. Seemingly you have really benefited from networking! Now that so many persons are being laid off from their jobs, do you see networking as becoming the more important strategy for job hunting? Another view is that our cultures are shifting constantly. Consequently our behaviors do too, creating new institutions and ways of doing things. What's your thinking on this? Whitman. Date Modified: 3 Feb 09    7:05 PM MST            Herbert Mouscardy 3 Feb 09    8:52 PM MST Hello Whitman, Netwoking becomes the last frontier in job searching.Yes, they are pairings ( behaviors and cultures). It is imperative that we need to change our cultures and behaviors.Because the world is changing as well. Note : Networking is not new, but the approches are much different. It is fundamentally effective. Thanks, Herbert Mouscardy Date Modified: 3 Feb 09    8:59 PM MST            Whitman Browne 4 Feb 09    5:33 PM MST Herbert: I concur with your suggestion that networking is not a new human behavior. What I think is that we are better organized and using that aspect of human organization and communication more efficiently.            Herbert Mouscardy 4 Feb 09    8:06 PM MST Hello Whitman, I agree with you and technology, If I may add, played a monumental role in galvanizing it. Thanks for the comments, Herbert Mouscardy            Thomas Fox 4 Feb 09    6:49 PM MST Whitman, thank for your response to Herbert. Regarding your 'job' related discussion, job hunting, according to a consultant I spoke with during a job hunting seminar workshop, is mostly done at about 60% of the time with news papers and online just responding to job postings. This method, this man said, leads to however only 5% hiring. Networking is only used 5% of the time and yields 35% hiring results. My current job is living-proof. People who know each other in an industry are just more successful together. I wonder what was Dr. Barbeau's motivation or inspiration to make us talk about this very important topic. I find it so sad that Walden U has not always been so much in support of of students and professors to stay in contact beyond the limits of classes, courses, and discussions.... According to walden, professors for example are not allowed to network with us if we are no longer matriculated and if it outside of the walden network. I tried to involve over 40 professors from Walden in a network discussion on LinkedIn. I received several email messages that specifically stated that "Walden does not allow it..." I believe we, the students and the professors need to open up towards the outside. If we do that, Walden may gain more student exposure and enrollments through networking, and we, the students can better stay in contact with our community. There is a Walden Group on LinkedIn. I also found over 2,000 LinkedIn members within my 3,000,000 large group who are some how associated reportedly with Walden U. thanks again for provoking me to this answer. Best Wishes Thomas Date Modified: 4 Feb 09    6:50 PM MST           Thomas Fox 4 Feb 09    6:37 PM MST Hi Herbert, good points. Thanks. Please let me be critical, and I am sure you will return the favor, LOL: You said in 1. "...with others that have the same interests...". While this is true (or I agree with it, at least - whether its true or not should be answered by philosophers), networking can also be accomplished with those that have different interests. OK, it may seem to be easier if a people who network have the same interests. But, I have gained experience and received referrals of jobs and project from people who worked in a totally different field. For example, they responded to my inquiry of assistance that they worked in a different field but knew of a colleague who might be able to answer my questions or be able to assist.... Also, to support my argument further, in sales, a sales person has one interest and if he/she cannot sell the product or service to a target person, the a good sales person will ask for example: "do you know anyone who has a challenge with ....., or...?" And on goes our discussion. Take your best shot.... LOL. I am looking forward to it. Best wishes, my friend. Please make sure that we stay in contact and we keep networking until we die!            Herbert Mouscardy 4 Feb 09    7:55 PM MST Hello Thomas, It does happen sometimes that one can be networking with people that have different status. Your example illustrates it correctly. Generally, networking is suited for people that have the same interests, activities and objectives etc... Thanks a lot for the comments .I sincerely appreciate .Your critical thinking skills aree being elevated. Best regards, Herbert Mouscardy Date Modified: 4 Feb 09    7:56 PM MST            Whitman Browne 3 Feb 09    8:05 PM MST Response to Community Forum #2 Question: Networking is the act/experience of making useful contacts and connections with other human beings, as one travels through life. Such contacts and connections can broaden one's horizon, allow new and different experiences, or result in short or long term bonding. These can be revisited and recaptured over time; and can be manipulated for one's future benefit. At one time I worked for two years as an assistant to the Governor of the U. S. Virgin Islands. While in that position, I was able to meet persons from varied walks of life and made a wide range of connections. On returning to education as a principal of an elementary school, I was able to use many of those connections to benefit the school and its students. Soon that school was one of the best known and most successful schools on the island. Our new technologies, the interconnectedness of business, new findings about the need for human beings to communicate, and our capacity to do so more creatively across cultures (Hofstede, 2001); add to these the human tendency towards globalization and one is led to conclude that networking is not only a viable idea, it is a fact of contemporary life. Many of my decisions about college and university education were finalized through networking. As I indicated, I managed to turn a good school into a great school, through networking. I continue to maintain, use, and depend on, a strong network of friendships with persons I got to know while I serve as an educator. Hofstede, G (2001). Culture's consequences. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Whitman Browne. Date Modified: 3 Feb 09    8:09 PM MST           Thomas Fox 4 Feb 09    7:16 PM MST thanks Withman, for your input. You have pretty good contacts in your network through your work with the US Virgin Islands governor. You have triggered a thought: What we do here, exchanging opinions and information, or discussing a topic, is also networking. It is networking at least for those who participate. Now, I propose, we need to stay in contact. And how do we do that? thanks again Thomas                Natalie Higley 4 Feb 09    5:31 AM MST Response - Community Forum #2 Networking is the art of building alliances; building relationships with individuals in your various peer groups, whether it is for work, social, religious, or school activities. Networking is a process of meeting individuals and solidifying relationships based on like values, visions, ideas, friendship, financial benefit, etc. (Freeman, 2004). I use networking regularly in my professional life. Much of my responsibilities to the College I work for depend on my keeping up-to-date on the latest financial, investment, and technological advancements. I use various peer organizations, such as NACUBO, SACUBO, CCBO, and SCUP to keep up with latest trends in my field as well as to network with others. I use the network of individuals as a vast resource of knowledge when I have questions in my field or just need someone to bounce ideas off of. Networking is a very viable concept today. Regardless of the advances we see in technology, there is no replacing the social interaction of networking. Networking is seen in every walk of life, whether it is in high school in the form of cliques, or in social learning circles such as communities of practice. Networking is a valuable tool I have used and benefited from in my personal, professional and educational life. I have benefited from my networking activities in my professional life through new job opportunities when I wasn’t even looking to change careers; my professional life has advanced based on the network of peers I have developed. In my educational life I have benefited from various communities of practice, where peers in my field of study (whether it be for my bachelor’s , master’s or current PhD pursuit) have formed social groups to share and exchange knowledge, as well as develop new and innovative ideas based on the knowledge shared. References Dalkir, K. (2005). Knowledge Management in Theory and Practice. Burlington: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann Freeman, L.C. (2004) The Development of Social Network Analysis: A Study in the Sociology of Science. Vancouver: Empirical Press. Lave, J. & Wenger E. (1991). Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Smith, M.K. (2003). Communities of practice. The Encyclopedia of Informal Education. http://www.infed.org/biblio/communities_of_practice.htm.          Adrienne Osborne 4 Feb 09    4:28 PM MST Natalie, I enjoyed reading your post about networking and building alliances and relationships! Adrienne            Thomas Fox 4 Feb 09    7:36 PM MST Adrienne, I am sure we all can appreciate your response. But may I please provoke you critically? LOL. Please tell us what you enjoyed reading about Natalie's post. She cited 4 references, which makes her statements appear even more credible. I wonder if Natalie has given back to her network peers as much as she was able to benefit from them. I wonder that also about me? How would I know if I have been able to help someone achieve his/her objective within the networking of the human-profession? Thank again for letting me provoke you. Thomas            Whitman Browne 4 Feb 09    6:08 PM MST Natalie: How do you see technology impacting networking? Does it help or hurt it? Whitman.          Thomas Fox 4 Feb 09    7:19 PM MST What do NACUBO, SACUBO, CCBO, and SCUP stand for? thanks for explaining. Thomas            Carol Hannahs 4 Feb 09    9:43 AM MST Carol Hannahs - response When I think of networking, I think of planting seeds for future relationships with others. Some of these relationships will blossom quicker than others depending on the needs of the two parties involved. During part of my work life I was a small business owner with a personal chef business. While my focus was on cooking for families in their homes, I was an active member of the chamber of commerce and professional women’s forum in my area. I was also a member of PWF’s networking committee. We would plan activities for the monthly meetings to help members meet others and share what they did with each other. I have used networking in several ways. One is that I may not have needed this person’s service at the time, but found I did in the future. Secondly, I have met someone else who needed a particular service who I could provide with a referral from a past networking event. I also think it is important to make a good first impression at networking events so that others will see you are responsible, motivated, and passionate about what you do. One way networking helped me was I found 2 other ladies with complimentary business to mine and we teamed up to do events together which helped us synergize and grow our personal business at less cost early on.       Adrienne Osborne 4 Feb 09    4:31 PM MST Carol, Networking with the other ladies that you mentioned appears to have been very beneficial to the growth of your business! Good luck as you continue to pursue your goals!! Adrienne            Adrienne Osborne 4 Feb 09    4:27 PM MST Greetings Everyone, 1) What does "networking" mean to you? Networking means meeting and communicating with individuals through an exchange of information, ideas and resources. Usually, the individuals have similar interests and this exchange takes place face-to-face or online. 2) How have you used "networking" in your work life? I used networking to find teaching jobs. Also, I networked with colleagues at Walden residencies. 3) What makes "networking" still a viable concept today? One reason that networking is still a viable concept today is because use of the internet has made the world a smaller place to communicate with people who share similar backgrounds and interests. There are several social networking sites on the internet such as Ryze, Spoke, MySpace, and various blogs that have enabled us to stay in contact with friends and to meet new associates. 4) How has "networking" helped you in the past? Please cite sources for your statements where possible. I networked with colleagues from Walden who I met at residencies back in 2004 and 2005 and colleagues at universities and organizations that I belong to. Adrienne            Kathy Evans-Brown 4 Feb 09    5:55 PM MST Hi Adrienne: I agree with your response. I too have enjoyed "networking" with colleagues from Walden at the residencies. It seems to put everything in perspective.              Whitman Browne 4 Feb 09    6:17 PM MST Adrienne: One point of interest that came to mind as I read your post, is the fact that many marriages and other forms of intimate relationships do result from networking. Whitman.          Thomas Fox 4 Feb 09    7:28 PM MST Do you think there is a network possibility with student colleagues beyond the university experience i.e. the residency? I too tried to stay in contact. It is not an easy task. I think networking needs to be just about a daily activity, for instance engaging your network group in ongoing discussions that may benefit all... thanks again Thomas       Kathy Evans-Brown 4 Feb 09    6:12 PM MST Hello Everyone: What does "networking" mean to you? "Networking" is a term that involves your ability to meet people, exchange ideas, link and refer, locate resources, obtain information from others you may not be familiar and provide information that may be helpful to others. How have you used "networking" in your work life? I have used the concept of "networking" in all of my professional work life. My first professional job on a college campus 15 years ago was the result of "networking". My current position as a Director of a non-profit agency was secured during a "networking" venture. What makes "networking" still a viable concept today? The concept of "networking" has evolved over years. It has increased its' vitality in areas of social networking, global networking, email, my space, face book and text messaging. How has "networking" helped you in the past? As noted, my current position as a Director of a non-profit agency was secured through "networking". I strongly believe that many of my grant proposals were funded by Federal, State and local governments based on evidence-based outcomes, my credibility and integrity and social networking in the community.          Thomas Fox 4 Feb 09    7:24 PM MST thanks for your post. Question: do you think face-to-face built relationship-based networking is more effective than online networking 'social networking..."? Or do you think it does not make a difference? Can you network with people who you don't know personally? thanks Thomas            Thomas Fox 4 Feb 09    6:15 PM MST Thomas Fox answer: 1. To me networking is a collaboration between people who benefit from each others' input and exchange of information, service, or goods. Networking can be the exchange of tangibles or intangibles. Gappmaier (1997) spoke of team work and collaboration of stakeholders, working each on their assigned tasks in projects. One of the key ingredient to participatory and collaborative team work is that all pitch in, do their part, and all take something away from this circle of exchange. However, in my opinion, it is a matter of definitions. I have done a little networking questionnaire with a Networking Marketing group on LinkedIn recently, as if I had a vision that Dr. Barbeau might be asking this question. I approached these experts and suggested that networking only works if every participant in it can exchange intangibles and tangibles. But a problem I have long been observing is that in MLM (Multi Level Marketing) aka Network Marketing there exists a conflict. That conflict is that an upline sponsor networks with his/her downline and they network with him. But he/she, the upline person can take information and give it to the competitors of others, across their line of interest. This is therefore not to their benefit and therefore it is not true equally beneficial networking. I don't know what to call it though. 2) How have you used "networking" in your work life? I am looking for work and/or for consulting projects. So I built my website about me. And then I joined LinkedIn.com. I started contacting people that I knew and asked them if I could join their network of contacts. 4 weeks later i have access to over 3 million professionals in various searchable profession areas. Just like someone may know of a job opportunity, so might I. Because of exchanging information with others, I have been able to get a consulting project right now. 3) What makes "networking" still a viable concept today? A team of one is just one person, accomplishing his/her tasks in his/her time and resources available. By extending his/her team of one, to two, or more, is simply extending his/her resources. But the same goes for the other team-party as well. Two people know more. And that concept will never change. Of course that could become a philosophical discussion too... 4) How has "networking" helped you in the past? Please cite sources for your statements where possible. As discussed, networking is my new way of getting traffic to my website www.tffox.com - see for yourself.... Networking has helped me in the past getting a consulting project. It has helped me education myself and become certified in process mapping and change management. I met my wife through networking. Through networking we have been able to help children to bring them into the safety of our home. And through networking I am hopping also to get my dissertation research done. Thanks, Dr. Barbeau, for this question. What inspired you to ask it? Date Modified: 4 Feb 09    6:29 PM MST          Whitman Browne 4 Feb 09    6:32 PM MST Thomas: You are raising a very important point about human behavior and networking. There should be mutual trust during networking. Depending on the quality of information being exchanged there should be a requirement for ethical behavior in handling the exchange. Using networking material to exploit and manipulate others is unethical, and may even be illegal. What do you think? Whitman. Date Modified: 4 Feb 09    6:33 PM MST           Thomas Fox 4 Feb 09    7:00 PM MST thanks Withman, for your response to my proposal. I would like to add...: you said:"may even be illegal." I don't know about that, but I am positive that unethical situations may arise. OK, if one person wants to take advantage of his/her contacts to his benefit. But then he/she should also be available to return a favor at least at some time in the future. And if he/she does not pay one way or the other within his relationship-maintenance upkeep activities somehow, then surely his/her network partners will not help so freely the next time he/she is asking for ... whatever it is he/she is interested in. I bet, we all know people, or know of people, who have spoiled their networking relationship(s). And this is what these abused networking friends then say: "This person calling again, I bet you, he needs money again". "Don't answer the phone, it's person "XYZ" again, he always calls me when he needs something..." Why do you think they respond that way? Do I make sense? Thanks Thomas

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