Networks of Contribution

We propose, what is vital and necessary to thrive and Live True to our authentic purpose / Calling as a business professional in the Forcefield of Business is building and being part of a Network of Contribution. 

A Network of Contribution is nothing like the normal networking that goes on in the business world. We call these Networks of Convenience.

Networks of Convenience

So what is a Network of Convenience? It is exactly what it sounds like – we are all actually very familiar with them. 

In Networks of Convenience, people take common knowledge (common-sense) help or motivation from one another that is cheap, obvious, easy, and comfortable. There is no obligation to reciprocate or contribute anything back. The moment it is no longer “convenient” to meet or work together, individuals leave or the group disbands.

In a Network of Convenience, we ask, “What’s in it for me?” or, “What am I going to get out of it?” 

In these groups, “networking” takes place, i.e., everyone looks for where their next client is coming from. We only give if we can get, e.g. “I will give you a referral if you give me one.” Often, we are sold on the prestige of belonging to certain business groups, but the experience is often anything but prestigious. Instead, it often feels very ordinary.

Very often, Networks of Convenience are based in a motivational mindset.  This includes the “don’t give-up” way of thinking and operating and celebrating sacrifice and hours worked. A motivational mindset includes having inherited, common business goals i.e. “Let’s get rich together,” or growing revenue or profit as the be-all end-all. A motivational mindset is very, very old and outdated and it usually includes a win-lose, aggressive, or control-based approach. 

Networks of Contribution

In contrast, Networks of Contribution are based in thoughtful and created high ambitions. They are demanding, authentic, adult, and real. Individuals in these networks are grounded in a commitment to contribute and to be contributed to. No one is entitled to join – you must earn the privilege and opportunity.

Networks of Contribution exist to enable professionals and business people to Live True and fulfill their ambitions and intentions. That’s it. 

The bonus of being part of one of these networks is you create new friendships with individuals who are knowledgeable and dignified, serious about building wealth, living with autonomy, living lives of real generosity and contribution, and fulfilling their life ambitions. (But that’s not why they exist).

You cannot build your Network of Contribution until what you have to offer or contribute becomes highly valued and scarce enough to compel others to contribute in return.

Why is building a Network of Contribution important? Because the marketplace (and all of its elements) does not care about you and your success. You must have a network of designers and creators of offers and conversations, of distinction makers, with whom you can collaborate, think, and innovate.

Because a Network of Contribution is only created around highly valued and uncommon knowledge they are costly (in energy, thought, emotional investment and commitment) to build and maintain,

We propose that the most important aspect to generating and creating partnerships, teams and businesses of collaboration, ambition and high-performance is to be clear that people only create the future in the commitments they make to each other and the actions they take together. We propose that we only and always invent the future together, with others.

How to Get Started

We encourage you to question and possibly quit any Networks of Convenience you are currently participating in, and instead put your energy and resources into creating a Network of Contribution.

To get started on building your own Network of Contribution, do some journaling and reflecting on these questions:

• Who are several people I would want to be in my Network of Contribution? Who do I admire, respect, and feel inspired by? 

• What do I have to contribute to others in the business world? What can I bring to the table?

• Speculate on purposes, ambitions, and commitments that we would be out to fulfill together. 

• Inquire into for yourself: How would it add to and elevate your experience of being a business professional / owner if you had a community in which you were seen, known, and gotten for who you are and what you’re dealing with? 

We’d love to hear what you come up with. Feel free to reach out or comment below.