Invest in Your NetWORTH™ Now

With our nation’s unemployment rate at 6.5 percent and the number of unemployed people reaching over 10 million this month, chances are you or someone you know has been affected by our current economic situation.

No matter what business or industry you’re in, I know you have to be feeling it. Have you been in a retail store lately? You could roll a canon ball through most of them and no one would notice because no one is there! I found myself walking through a couple of stores yesterday trying to cheer up the sales people who looked worried while they openly talked about whether they would have jobs to come back to next week.

The worst time to start building a network is when you actually need one. So, with business being a little slower than usual and the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to focus on strengthening, expanding and growing your network. Cease this opportunity you have with more free time than usual to pick up the phone and call some old friends and colleagues just to see how they’re doing.

Take advantage of the holidays to gather a group of people together that are connected to you, but not necessarily to each other. Be the hub of your network wheel and think of different people who are spokes on your wheel that would have things in common (business, hobbies, personality) and invite them to a holiday tea or coffee so you can connect them.

This is a great way to increase your netWORTH™ with your network. When we demonstrate our ability to connect our network with people, opportunities and resources our personal stock value (netWORTH™) goes up. Instead of focusing on plummeting stock prices, focus on the stock you can grow right now…your own!

Remember, creating goodwill within your network is never in limited supply. It’s an endless resource that is abundant and free flowing and can have the biggest impact on your netWORTH™. Look for opportunities right now to “pay it forward” for someone in your network by doing something that will help them. Typically, it will cost your nothing except a little of your time, imagination and good intentions.

There is a lot to be grateful for at this time of the year and I’m especially thankful for my network who has always supported, encouraged and stood by me through the good and challenging times. There is a silver lining in this sea of uncertainty we’re all swimming in, your richest resource is your network.