NanoNetworking is very simple. First, you must consider the scale and scope of your relationships. We all know people and those people know more people and so on. Now, think about what you need to achieve your goals, expand a bigger mission than just you, take on new opportunities, etc. How do those achievements to come and those who can help you come together? The answer is you.
No matter if you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, a high-powered CEO or a non-profit Executive Director, a youth director or a church elder...you have circles of influence that can easily be explored one conversation at a time. You just have to start with those closest to you, offer a specific goal to achieve, and be open to where and to whom each conversation may take you.
Most of us tend to stick with what and who we know, stay in our respective comfort zones, and avoid the Big Ask like the swine flu. My advise is to push those boundaries, while appreciating and honoring the relationships that you have today. The Big Ask is nothing more than a face-to-face conversation with each of those you admire, trust, and would help, if asked yourself. After 20 years of so of Big Ask's, here are just three case studies of mine that you may find interesting:
* In the mid-1990's, a fellow marketer/friend of mine called up with a Big Ask to meet with a guy about a product he created. I agreed, but did not look forward to the meeting. In our business, 99% of product ideas never make it to market. This one did. We sold over $100 million in product in just a few years. Answering my friends call, respecting the relationship, and seeing the opportunity through all of its usual up's and down's paid off quite well.
* A few years ago, I decided to stop at a golf-related business I had passed over and over again traveling along the interstate. I bought a few things, met some nice people, and eventually met the owner. I invited him to play golf, visit with us in E. TN, and get to know one another better. From stranger to friend to business associate in no time flat! My Big Ask was simply to get to know one another and our businesses better. Business deals came and went and we are still friends and exploring other opportunities to come.
* Recently mentoring the #1 worldwide, non-profit brand, I advised this group of leaders to stop thinking about "who we know" in global terms and start thinking about the same in very specific terms. Three leaders answered my Big Ask with their take on this mission's ties to another well-known, service organization, to companies in need of federally mandated training they offer, and to initial effortsin the philanthropic and fundraising communities. Each example of circles of influence led the expansion of conversation and thought that eventually defined a NanoNetwork road-map for each to pursue and greatly benefit their part of that mission. Still to come... we must drill-down with each of the three team leaders to see that each road-map is maximized and allowed to twist and turn as needed.
Thinking "outside of the box" is as cliche' as phrases can be. However, there is wisdom in getting outside any given boundaries and keeping one eyes and ears open for known and unknown opportunities. It just takes a spark of thought sometimes to get there.
