Build Your Essential Network

There is a Japanese proverb that states, "When you are thirsty, it's too late to dig a well."

A few years back, Harvey Mackay turned this proverb into a best-selling book on networking, "Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty."

More recently, blogger Kai Chang writes about essential business and personal relationships that one should cultivate now...before they are needed. Mr. Chang asks the question...'What relationships should one build now, in order to sustain oneself from the valleys and vagaries of life's trials and opportunities?'

He frames this question by identifying The 16 Essential People in Your Life. In his view, they would be:

• Headhunter
• Computer Security Guru
• Realtor
• Criminal Defense Attorney
• Personal Finance Advisor/CPA
• M.D.
• Police/Law Enforcement Officer
• "The Wolf"/"The Cleaner"
• The Event/Ticket Connection
• The Local Celebrity
• Big Money Guy
• Local Politician
• Auto Mechanic
• Consigliere
• Mr. Connections
• Best Friend

This is an interesting concept to ponder. It makes sense in a lot of ways too.

Of course, this list of 'Essential People' will vary depending upon one's definition of "essential." I live in a 93 year-old building, with 93 year-old pipes, I would include "plumber." My wife, a choreographer and dancer, would include "chiropractor." My ex-wife would, most likely, list her "therapist."

This whole concept can be encapsulated in another great quote, "By the time you need a friend, it's too late to make one." I always thought that the originator of these words was Mark Twain...yet a Google search reveals no link to Twain, or anyone else either.

Fine. In that case...I said it.

Comments

[Herve Leger]

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m

[Herve Leger Bandage]

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q

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