“Your network has given us net worth,” so wrote Ikemesit Orok to me when he saw the depth of support we received in pursuit of a give-back-to-the-society project embarked upon by one of the professional associations I belong to. In the words of John Donne, “No man is an island, entire of itself.” Let’s reflect on having a good network of people as instrumental to success.
Do you know that the relationships you have are valuable assets, potentially more important than your financial assets? Do you know that social connections is very important in achieving personal and professional success? According to Porter Gale, author of “Your Network Is Your Net Worth”, “I believe that your social capital, or your ability to build a network of authentic personal and professional relationships, not your financial capital, is the most important asset in your portfolio.
I believe that seeking out and working in collaboration with others who share your interests and values will provide a stronger foundation, enabling you to reach a higher level of success than you would on your own. Therefore, I believe that your ‘net worth’ will be based, not on the size of your portfolio or the size of your network, but on your ability to define and stay true to your passions and values; and that working with other people who share them will allow you to build a strong and enduring interpersonal safety net that will carry you through any financial calamity to greater output and personal fulfilment.”
As Jeff Kavanaugh added, “Networking based on values and passions is not only more natural, I also believe that seeking out and working in collaboration with others who share your interests can be the basis for building a strong network foundation, enabling you to reach a higher level of success than you would on your own.”
So, enhance your capacity to build reliable human networks. Recognize that you can hardly have a strong network without being trustworthy, reliable, and dependable. Know that being a part of a network demands contributing to the network. Be conscious that the more positive impact you have on others, the stronger and larger your network. Don’t be conjoled to consider praise-singers, political jobbers, sycophants, and similar persons a part of your network no matter their size.
No matter how enticing, don’t let the allure of money or immediate gain blind your eyes to the need to invest in valuable relationships. As Porter Gale noted, “Having a mindset of being a producer will help you focus when generating content or developing products or services to increase your visibility, build your network, or increase your reach.” In whatever you do, explore avenues to maximize your network, recognizing that your networks are doors of opportunities, blessings, connections, support, etc. Let your mindset shift from immediate gain or being transactional to being transformational.
As you step out, explore every contact as an opportunity to increase the size and bond of your network. Be credible, genuine, and determined to add value to others. Remember, as Robin Sharma noted, “Measure your net worth not by how much you have, but by many people you impact.”
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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
