8 August 2006

Networking: Just 1 Degree of Separation

In 2006 AIM’s National Networking Week will encourage Australian managers to turn six degrees of separation into one.

Held annually in the second week of August, the philosophy behind National Networking Week sprung from the ‘small world phenomenon’ which states that everyone in the world can be reached through a short chain of social acquaintances .

AIM CEO, Carolyn Barker AM FAIM, said the aim of National Networking Week is simply to connect people and create just one degree of separation.

“An American social experiment in the 1960s gave rise to the famous phrase, ‘six degrees of separation’ which suggested that two random US citizens were connected on average by a chain of six acquaintances,” Ms Barker said.

“Our hope is that Australian managers will challenge this concept by using National Networking Week as a reason to enhance their networking skills and grow their professional contacts.”

The art of high level, effective networking is synonymous with growing personal and business spheres of influence and is a practice that is either revered or treated with disdain by managers and leaders around the world.

“The AIM definition states that networking is connecting with others without the need for immediate gain...it is a proactive investment in the future aimed at building a relationship with another well before assistance or support is sought,” Ms Barker said.

Internationally, organisations are taking the role of networking in expanding their businesses very seriously.

“The Chief Networking Officer is a new breed of corporate executive in the business world…it refers to a person who manages the social capital of a company,” Ms Barker said .

“The CNO connects people and businesses within the company, with other companies, as well as with consumers, hence facilitating know-how transfer and information flow, and allowing for profits to grow.”

Although the concept is yet to take hold, there is an ongoing academic discussion in America related to the issue of CNOs in modern business.

According to experts, business networking functions best when individuals offer to help others to find connections, rather than "cold-calling" on individual prospects.

Business networking can take place outside of traditional business environments and in public places such as airports, restaurants or even movie line-ups which can provide opportunities to make new business and personal contacts.

The Institute is celebrating National Networking Week by hosting a series of events and seminars around Australia.

To find out more about National Networking Week and associated events in your state visit www.networkingweek.com.au.

For more information contact your local AIM Office on 13 16 48.