Build. Maintain. Deploy.

By the time you turn 50, you’ll have spent around 16 years on education, 90,000 hours working, and over 4,000 hours exercising (if you’re disciplined). Now ask yourself:

How much time have you invested, with real intent, in your network?

Most people treat their network like a byproduct. An ad hoc collection of contacts from the random walk of life. Relying on memory, static contacts, and stale CRM.

For something with equal or greater impact on your success than your resume, that’s a pretty grim strategy.

Here’s the thing:

Our chimp brains max out at 150 meaningful relationships according to Dunbar’s Number. CRM is a broken crutch at best. And while we can (and should) use AI to enhance relationships like we use it to enhance our productivity, AI word-vomit isn’t the same as genuine and effective networks.

So what does a real power network look like? Let’s start with the analogy I’ve used for years:

Think of your network as a fire truck.

You never know when or where you are going to need to put out a fire but when you do, you want to make sure you have the best fire truck in the best working condition possible.

How many times have you driven by the firehouse and seen the firemen polishing every valve, working on the engine and pumps, investing time and resources? This isn’t because they are bored or prepping for the calendar photo shoot.

This is your network.

Not only do you need to build an amazing multi-faceted tool, you need to make sure all the parts get exercised and utilized with the dexterity of a craftsman.

What use is a rusty valve that hasn’t been serviced for years? How do you reach a higher floor without a ladder? Make sure both the accelerator and brake pedals work!

Simply put, power networks are a considered endeavor that pays massive dividends assuming you invest the thought, time, and resources.

The best networks aren’t transactional.
They are natural. Energizing. Mutually generous.
But they’re rarely, if ever, accidental.

When I get back to LA next week, I’ll collect and share my thoughts on how the best power networks are built across the three primary steps:

Build. Maintain. Deploy.

But for now, I’ll leave you with this question: When’s the last time you polished your valves?