Social/Business Networking is vital to everyone’s personal and professional development. Finding the right people to network with is the key.

Keep in mind when building a network Quality overrides Quantity. Secondly, a group of quality people is going to draw a crowd making the urge to build an empire of people moot.  However, it is very importance of having a well-rounded network.

A strong network of strong people is critical to the network’s survival. There are plenty of tips and articles on where to find people, how and when to connect to them and even what you need to say to attract and maintain your network. Here, the focus is on ‘WHO’ should be in a social/business network.

Here are the top 10 Type of People needed in the network:

1. The Mentor: This is the person who has reached the level of success everyone aspires to have. Everyone can learn from their success as well as their mistakes. Heed their wisdom and experience.
2. The Coach: The coach is someone who helps with critical decisions and transitions. Coaches offer an objective perspective with no strings attached.
3. The Industry Insider: This is someone who has expert level information or access to it. This person will keep everyone informed of what’s happening now and what the next big thing is. They are a sounding board for innovative ideas.
4. The Trendsetter: This is a person outside of mainstream and always has the latest buzz. The purpose in having this person in the network is due to them constantly looking for that spark of innovation via the unconventional. They also keep the conversations interesting.
5. The Connector: This person has access to people, resources and information.  Connectors are great at uncovering unique ways to make connections, finding resources and opportunities most people would over look.
6. The Idealist: This is the person in the network everyone can dream with. No matter how “off beat” the idea is, this person will help brainstorm ways to make it happen without judgment.  They are focused on helping flush out a dream in high definition, even if it doesn’t have a solid plan developed on how to make it happen.
7. The Realist: On the flip side the network needs people who will help keep it real. The Realist is the person who will give the raised eyebrow when someone’s expectations exceed their effort. This is not a person who knocks down dreams, but challenges people to actively make their dream happen.  Realist will come across as a negative person to people lost in their ‘wonderland’ and are the most positive of a person to people who live in reality.  Make sure you have a few of these people in your network.
8. The Visionary: Visionary people inspire others by their journey. They are similar to the Idealist, but the visionary can help envision an actual plan to reach a goal. One personal encounter with this type of person can positively change the direction of someone’s thinking and life.
9. The Partner: Everyone needs to have someone who is likeminded and on a similar path. The Partner type person does a lot of sharing. They share the wins and woes. Partners will also share resources, opportunities and information.
10. The Wanna-be: This is a person who is someone to mentor. Someone everyone can help shape and guide based on their experiences. The best way to test personal or professional knowledge is in being able to explain it to someone else. And sometimes, one of the best motivators for pushing through obstacles and hardship is testing what you know.

Obviously the goal is to have more than 10 people in the network.  However, if there is only one of each of these people in the network it is a Network that is going someplace.  The trick is in building a diverse network of people from different industries, backgrounds, age groups, ethnic groups that fit into the roles listed above. Building a network of people from your current social ring or business focus leaves too many stones unturned, limiting potential opportunities.

If you are really serious about building a strong worthwhile social/business network you need to evaluate your current network and get started filling in the gaps.  Having a quality network is much more rewarding than gathering a large number of unknowns.  Take hold of your efforts by controlling who you socialize with personally and professionally, both online and offline.  It has been proven over and over that more can be accomplished through quality than quantity.  It is time to get real people.

Let me know how I can help.