In the last three Daly Dishes we discussed the importance of positioning yourself as a leader, celebrating more of what you’d like to see and seeking to learn. I hope you’ve gotten a chance to have fun with and apply these three keys. This Dish is the final part of the series: “Focusing on You.” We’re going to be discussing the Importance of Your Network.

A network is simply your community of your trusted peers, colleagues, friends and family. Your job is to stay fully engaged in it. Most folks don’t take the time to build their networks or even check in on them until they’re looking for another job or a new client. How do I know this? In the past several years, I’ve placed countless people in various jobs or connected them to new clients only to never hear from them again until they need something else; they seem to fall off the radar of their Linked-in or Facebook page. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that since the reality is we’re all so busy; we’re in the business for taking care of immediate needs first. With that being said, understand there is a lot being left on the table when it comes to opportunities. When you are a “giver” into your network, as opposed to a “taker” of your network, it’s the law of attraction: You get what you give. So it will always come back to you in some shape or form — and also not necessarily from the same people you’ve helped. However, if you are only taking and not giving into your network — not giving your time, your care, your concern for others — that too creates an entirely different energy cycle. Now there’s the flipside to that with folks that are constantly in the giving mode and hesitant or not receptive of help or asking for any help. That’s not a balanced approach either to maximizing the benefits of the nature of your network.

So remember, the next time someone helps you from your network — make it a point to pay it forward and give back to someone else in your network. Or the next time you help someone in your network, stay open to accepting help back. That creates the ever flowing energy of giving and receiving and thus will create a fully engaged network. Your network is your net worth. I repeat: Your network is your net worth so don’t let the busy work of your job or life keep you from growing your engaging network.

This concludes our four-part series on "Focusing on You." With the new year upon us shortly, make it a point to practice this in your workplace and life. Please also look forward to my future release of the Inspiring Leadership book series that will spread more of this good, loving energy. Happy Holidays and wishing you only the most incredible 2012! 

— This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it is an industry leader in retail design, construction and facilities, as well as an avid career coach. She is currently the Executive Director of Construction & Facility Conferences for InterFace Conference Group.