what's good network and how do we build it?

The middle of the Maslow's hierarchy of needs is "Love and belonging needs", the need for belonging, to reveive and give love, appreciation, friendship, which can be referred as network because the nature of the network is this need, I believe. Also, human is social animal. Humans have gathered and lived together interacting one another since a long, long, long time ago. So, it surprised me because most the readings about informal network assigned to the class sound very very formal, academic, and serious. Even in the Six Myths about Informal Networks* - and How to Overcome Them published by MIT Sloan, the authors show how to read a network diagram. But it seems hard to analyze with that example diagrams and explanations. 

So, I've got a good test to rate my network.

You can test yours right now! bring a piece of paper and pen! Ready? Here's the test**.

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Rate yourself on a scale of 1-5

(1=never; 2=occasionally; 3=regularly; 4=frequently; 5=always)

Know your own power as a networker

1. I know the values and principles that are important in my life

2. I can list five major accomplishments that I am proud of in my life

3. I have a written list of long and short term goals that I review and revise regularly

Be gracious and courteous as you network

4. I introduce myself in a way what is clear, concise, personable and generates interest

5. I reintroduce myself to people rather than waiting for them to remember me

6. I focus on people as they are introduced to me so that I remember their name and who they are (or their profession, connection to the field, etc.)

Handle business cards with respect/nurture your network

7. I make notations on business cards that I receive as memory joggers and follow-up reminders

8. I nurture my network with calls, notes, emails and gifts in a timely and appropriate manner

9. I graciously receive and accept acknowledgement and support

Manage yourself as a resource

10. My business card file is organized and up to date

11. I use my time management system effectively

12. I return phone calls and/or emails within 24 hours

Develop a personal networking approach

13. I am a member of professional organization(s), serve on a committee or volunteer in the community

14. I regularly give referrals to and make request of my work

15. I operate with integrity and professionalism in all my interactions and endeavors

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All done?

then, now you can check how good your network is/how good you are as a networker.

65-75: powerful

55-64: effective

45-54:resourceful

30-44: branch out

20-29: timid

below 20: long ranger

I've got 66, which is powerful!!!!!

Okay, but this is not just about the score. This test points out some practical tips as well as A Practical Guide to Social Networks*** published by Harvard Business Review.  

With thinking reversely from the test, if I do these, my network will be improved.

• think of myself, what I've done, and what I've pursued in order to know the values, principles, and my goals
  
• come talk to new people first
  
• remember people's name/profession/etc
  
• communicate and interact with people afterwards
  
• get involved in the group or community
  

This is more practical to me to build good networks.  I'd better start to elaborate my network with these principles instead of trying to make new friends as much as possible, which I do usually. 

* Rob Cross, Nitin Nohria, and Andrew Parker, Six Myths About Informal Networks - and How To Overcome Them Published by MIT Sloan Management Review, Spring 2002

** Adapted from Power Networking 59 Secrets for Personal & Professional Success by Donna Fisher & Sandy Vilas. Copyright 2002

*** Rob Cross, Jeanne Liedtka, and Leigh Weiss, A Practical Guide to Social Networks published by Harvard Business Review, May 2005