When I was kid whenever we would move, my mom would plant a privet hedge in the front yard of our new home. It was her way of helping establish the new house as our home.
The care should took in preparing the soil, choosing the individual plants and then putting them into the soil was a mirror to how she wanted the household to run.
In our networking and business strategy, we need to do the same things:
- When you find a “home” put your stamp on it in some way.
- Carefully prepare the space and then nurture it carefully.
- Take ownership of what you contribute, but don’t be so protective you can’t share.
Putting a “stamp” on something is important to both your brand and that of the “stampee.” Both brands benefit from the strength and awareness of each the other. It allows both of you to call the other “home.”
If the space you are claiming is a committee or a gathering, be sure and be present without being overbearing. Work carefully and fairly with those around you and be a leader not a tyrant.
Same goes with “ownership.” Make your presence know, but don’t take over so much you can’t share the experience or value of the program or event.
Be bold without being overbearing; be strong with strong arming; and be in charge without being tyranical.
Relentless
