What Would Benjamin Franklin Say?
I don’t know if you know this but Benjamin Franklin started an organization that, as near as my amateur historian skills can tell, was the first networking organization in the United States.
It started in 1727 and was called the Junto, “a group of like minded aspiring artisans and tradesmen who hoped to improve themselves while they improved their community.” The Junto was a discussion group for issues of the day; it subsequently gave rise to many organizations in Philadelphia.
Notably the Junto spawned the first library of Pennsylvania, hospital, volunteer fire department and a 300 year old form of community watch. Not bad for a networking group.
In truth, Benjamin Franklin knew the true power of networking. His ability to connect and influence made him one of the most powerful men of the new world, but he knew with this given power came responsibility to be a citizen.
Today brings us into very interesting times for our nations cycle of power and economics. People gainfully employed for two decades now find themselves out of work and not able to afford their homes. People in business find themselves cutting for survival or maintenance rather than for growth and ambition.
The most disturbing conversations I have as the executive director for a 1,400 person small business organization, are from the people who feel like they are done networking because they have accomplished there goal.
“Now that I found a job, I don’t need to network anymore”. Say some. “I have a new position in my company; I don’t need to network anymore”. Say others. “I am so busy right now; I can’t take any more business”. Say a few.
I am huge proponent to being as cost effective with your time, energy and money but where do we budget working for our general business community. Where is the understanding that we are a cog in a greater wheel called community and the local economy?
I just wonder what Benjamin Franklin’s response would be to someone on the volunteer fire department when they say, “Since we had already put out a fire at my house, the likelihood is so small that it will happen again, so I will be retiring from the fire department.”
3 Responses to “What Would Benjamin Franklin Say?”
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It is useful to try everything in practice anyway and I like that here it’s always possible to find something new.
I agree that networking is vital. Perhaps part of the issue for individuals is that they don’t always manage time well, and have not gotten really clear on what they want to do with their life, and how to prioritize what it most important to get done, not only in reference to networking, but with a number of aspects in their lives. It’s important to have a vision,and productive goals that can be operationalized to get there…and to remember that relationships are the most important thing in life, whether business or personal relationships…it’s all the same thing, connection to each other in some significant and meaningful way that serves the good of all and brings a sense of pride in having lived a good life!
Einstein said “in the end we are all here to serve”. HUA! to your reply!