It is very comfortable being surrounded by people who think like us.

They understand our industry. They use the same language. They attend the same events. They laugh at the same frustrations. We do not have to explain very much.

That comfort can also become a limitation.

If everybody in your network works in the same industry, follows the same people and approaches business in the same way, where will the new thinking come from?

A strong network should not be an echo. It should expand what you can see.

-Someone from another industry may have solved a problem your sector still considers normal.

-A person at a different stage of business may ask a question you stopped asking years ago. Someone from another generation may use technology, build trust or communicate in a way you had not considered.

-An experienced leader can offer perspective.

-A new entrepreneur can bring energy and challenge an assumption that no longer makes sense.

This is one reason I am so interested in how different generations experience networking, relationships and community.

There is no single correct way to connect.

Some people are comfortable building relationships online. Others place enormous value on being in the same room. Some prefer a phone call. Others would rather receive a message first.

None of these approaches is automatically better. The useful thinking is what can we learn from one another?

Diversity in a network is not about collecting people who look different on a spreadsheet.

It is about creating genuine relationships with people whose experiences, knowledge and perspectives extend beyond your own.

That requires curiosity as well as being willing to hear something you may not immediately agree with.

The most valuable person in your network is not always the one who confirms that your idea is brilliant.

It may be the person who asks, “Have you considered this?”

Or, “Why have you always done it that way?”

Or even, “I don’t think that will work.”

That can be uncomfortable.

It can also save you time, reveal a blind spot or lead you towards a much better decision.

Take a look at the people you regularly speak with.

Are they from different industries? Different generations? Different stages of business? Do they bring different strengths and viewpoints?

Or are you hearing the same opinions from the same circle?

Your network should support you. But it should also stretch you.

Because if everyone in it thinks exactly like you, your network may feel comfortable, but it is probably too small.

Happy Connecting!
WLC