Weekly Thought – June 25, 2019
Fred and Mary Alice married on June 25, 1937 in Nashville, TN. He loved to say, “We had $5.00 when we married. And if she had saved more we would have had more since it was her $5.00. They rode a trolley downtown and shared a Krystal hamburger for their honeymoon. They celebrated 67 years in 2004 just months before Mary Alice’s death. They truly understood and lived ‘til death do you part.
2019 is the year of reconstruction and repair. The breakfastwithfred.com website has served faithfully, but its functionality is showing severe wear. Would you consider contributing to the website update project? Thank you.
The Value of Network
Networking has various levels and definitions. I want to talk about the qualities of healthy relationships within your personal network.
First, establish mutuality. I maintain the strongest friendships have a foundation of mutual benefit, meaning we can be equally helpful to each other. For example, Jack Modesett and I talk frequently on the phone sharing ideas, quotations, and articles. He knows my major interests and I know his. When each of us sees something we know the other would appreciate, we make a point of sharing it. Mutual benefit.
Second, check out chemistry. By that I mean finding out if you have the same values and philosophy of life. For example, if one is fundamentally selfish and self-focused, this will not fit well with another who sees other-focused as a core value.
Third, assure confidentiality and trust. There are different degrees of relationship in networks. The essential nature of deep relationships leads to knowledge of intimate details. Therefore, the need for absolute confidence and trust is critical.
Fourth, take the necessary time. My mentor, Maxey Jarman, said he could not afford the time to have many friends. In my own relationships I take this responsibility seriously. I will not shoot from the hip or give a top of mind and quick reaction without adequate preparation and thought. My friends count on me to take the time to be their friend. I, also, know my inner circle devotes time to my questions.
Fifth, diversify expertise. I want to have many different areas of expertise in my personal network. For example, when I have a business decision one of the men I call is Lee Roy Mitchell because I am confident in his acumen and experience.
Networks are helpful on minor, as well as major issues. For example, I may simply need the name of someone my memory won’t recall as quickly as I would like. My networking Rolodex includes a most helpful variety of people.
A good network keeps the members apprised of events that would be interesting or helpful. Over the years I enjoy tearing out articles from magazines or newspapers and attaching a small “thought you would be interested” handwritten note before sending it out.
This week carefully think about: 1) Which point sparks my interest? 2) Who in my network helps me grow? 3) What do I need to strengthen my network?
Words of Wisdom: “I maintain the strongest friendships have a foundation of mutual benefit, meaning we can be equally helpful to each other.”
Wisdom from the Word: “This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people.” (Titus 3:8 NET Bible)