Networks, simply stated, are people communicating with each other within groups. The purpose is to maintain a social fabric that will generate knowledge so that, over time, one might develop deeper wisdom.  Networks provide easy access to information.  Obviously, the term networks is being used in the plural form, because different networks are needed for the differences in information required.  Networks are hidden in plain sight. Some of the most common are businesses, churches, neighbors and friends.

As each individual within a network absorbs the retrieved information, new ideas and possibilities erupt from the different individual viewpoints.

So why network? The easiest answer: This is the easiest way to gather information. Much easier than, say, going to a library or government office.  It has been mentioned that generally speaking, at least seven phone calls are made to obtain information from a government agency (from John Naisbitt’s book “Trends”). Do you not find the path so much easier if you just “phone a friend?” This friend is likely a member of a personal network, whether formal or informal.

One way to broaden your own personal network is to volunteer for a service organization.  Remember, since volunteers were requested for the War of 1812 by General Andrew Jackson for the Battle of New Orleans and during the Mexican-American War in 1846, the Secretary of War asked for 2,800 soldiers and Tennessee sent over 30,000, we have always been known for our service to others.

Our state has been nicknamed the “Volunteer State” and carries the moniker for The University of Tennessee. With this spirit, one can become a member of one of the world-wide organizations such as Lions Club or Rotary International whereby a new member instantly becomes a member of an international organization of diverse interests and backgrounds. With little effort, a broad network of contacts opens before you and one never knows when one of this group can be of enormous help to you in a given situation.

Knowledge is power.  There is no way to have all knowledge, so we leave it to the “Man Upstairs," whatever you wish to call him. The next best, is to reach out to someone who does have knowledge in the area lacking to you. This means if you wish to broaden your knowledge, then broaden your networks. Simple.

Standard contributor Don Alexander can be contacted at dalexander@southernstandard.com