Networking during busy season?

February may seem like a strange month to ask an accountant to think about networking because of busy season. However, it is the absolute perfect time to begin thinking about your network because you will need to rely on them soon after April 15th.  

Whether you are contemplating a career change, needing to strengthen existing business relationships, or developing new business you need to begin laying the groundwork now to take full advantage of your time after busy season ends.  

 

Let’s start by having a discussion on the two basic structures of a network. According to a Harvard Business Review article entitled,  “How to Build a Network,” there are two basic structures of networks; clique and entrepreneurial.  A clique network is a self contained network where everyone knows everyone else.  Any new additions to the network have a sense of familiarity within the group.  These types of networks are great for building a strong cohesive self managed teams within an organization but tend to lead to group think.  Clique networks also limit the scope and depth of your network to only those areas that you are comfortable with.  Accountants knowing accountants.  

However, what if you want to extend this network into areas where their exists no familiarity then you need to create an entrepreneurial network structure (accountants knowing architects, engineers, etc). This type of network structure is not a self contained and does require much more work in creating and maintaining.  The greatest benefit of an entrepreneurial network structure is that it allows you to extend your reach of information to many different perspectives.  This extension of reach will open up new markets that would be unattainable in a clique network.   

For example, suppose you have a new product or service that you want to introduce.  Many believe that word of mouth is the best way to advertise.  If you have a clique network, you are restricted in the area of coverage you can reach verses an entrepreneurial network which is far reaching.  

Developing this entrepreneurial network can be a challenge because it will require you to extend your comfort zone, but it will have greater benefits to you in the long run.  As you are driving to and from work this busy season, think about how you are going to meet new people outside of your discipline so you can have a stronger and more powerful network when busy season ends.