How Your Current Network Can Take Your Farther

Leaders often say to me “Johann, I need to bring in new collaborators to move my idea forward. My current network just isn’t cutting it.”

While expanding your network is always useful, capitalizing on the strengths of your current network can be more effective in the long term.

Make a list of the 5 most important collaborators in your life. These are the people you call in a pinch, who read your shitty first draft, who entertain your crazy ideas before they are really formed. Your partner, your go-to colleague, your main mentor, your trusted assistant, your oldest friend, etc.

Now, a quick exercise.

1. Write down one skill you share with each of these 5 people.

2. Write down one strength that each of these 5 people possess which you don't. Be objective here.

3. Write down the last moment where each of these people made an impact on your work. How did they specifically contribute?

Think of the circumstances that enabled these people to contribute powerfully to your work. What can you do to create these circumstances more often?

Finding new collaborators is awesome. But reinvigorating your relationship with your current network may take you even further.