This document discusses the importance of building strategic networks and outlines best practices for doing so. It notes that no one can accomplish goals alone and networks make things easier. It recommends focusing on increasing areas of influence to lessen concerns. The document provides tips for taking a proactive approach to networking, including defining objectives, identifying key contacts, building relationships, and maintaining connections over time using both in-person and electronic touchpoints. The overall message is that strategic networking requires effort but pays off in extending one's reach and adding value to others.

1. O2O2O Principle:
Building strategic networks
that have big power.
Mari Anne Snow
May 12, 2016

2. Agenda
• Why network?
• Circle of influence/concern
• Networking with a purpose
• Strength of weak ties
• Using technology to extend your reach
• Keep your networks up-to-date
• Maintenance and upkeep
• Connecting to add value
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3. No one can do it alone
• The world is too complicated.
• Its lonely and so much harder….much easier
with help.
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4. Circle of Influence vs circle of concern
4
THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE
PEOPLE®, Stephen R. Covey

5. Concern vs influence
 A Circle of Concern can be big and small, very
personal and can seem overwhelming at times.
Our health, our children, problems at work, the
amount of government borrowing, or the threat of
war.
 A Circle of Influence speaks to what we can
control. It’s the actions we can take, the choices
we make, that have an impact on our
circumstances and our outcomes.
5

6. How can you have more influence
over your areas of concern?
 Your health?
 Financial situation?
 Job search?
 Relationships?
 Career advancement?
6

7. Focus on increasing your influence
7
THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE
PEOPLE®, Stephen R. Covey

8. Creating a networking strategy
Build a network before you
need it.
– Define your end objectives.
– Identify key players.
– What do they value?
– Where can you find them?
– Build the relationship, then
ask for things.
– Be prepared to give –
reciprocity is networking
currency.
8http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/219429

9. What is a strategic network?
9
Authors; Herminia Ibarra and Mark Hunter http://hbr.org/2007/01/how-leaders-create-and-use-networks/ar/1

10. Building one
There are no magic answers, no shortcuts. Building
networks, like cultivating any relationship, takes hard
work, focused time, genuine interest and a willingness
to trust people and share things.
10

11. Making connections – f2f
• Take a risk, speak up.
• Actively seek people out.
• Join stuff, try stuff.
• Everything is connected.
• Get outside your node.
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12. Strength of weak ties
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https://sociology.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/publications/the_strength_of_weak_ties_and_exch_w-gans.pdf

13. Building your connections
Online to offline touch points extend
relationships and keep you top of mind.
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14. Use digital channels
• Permission to join someone’s network is
permission to stay connected.
• Continuation of the conversation – O2O.
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15. Creating electronic touch points
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• Passive activity that build familiarity.
• One to many contact or direct connection.
• Can transcend distance and geography.
• Easier than face-to-face sometimes.

16. O2O2O
• Get back together face-to-face.
• Let your network know when you:
– Attend conferences
– Workshops
– Events
– Travel for work
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17. Network maintenance
• Networks atrophy quickly if they aren’t maintained.
• Stay in touch.
• Provide compelling value.
• Pay attention; touch base frequently.
• LinkedIn and other digital channels provide electronic
touch points.
17http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/233808

18. Connecting extends your reach
• Be a connector; provide solutions.
• Establish a reputation as a problem solver.
• Stay calm under pressure.
• Be judicious, hold on to secrets.
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19. In summary
• No one can do it alone.
• Focus on increasing your influence to lessen your
concerns.
• Take a strategic, proactive approach to
networking.
• Get out there and make connections.
• Extend the conversation using technology.
• Keep your networks up-to-date on your stuff.
• Once you build it, maintain it.
• Be a connector to add value.
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20. Contact
Information
http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannesnow1
Mari Anne Snow
CEO, Sophaya
401.286.9828
masnow@sophaya.com
or
@SophiaThink
Send me a LinkedIn invitation at…