How to Build a Diverse Relationship Ecosystem

Imagine your professional network as a living, breathing ecosystem. Each connection represents a unique species, contributing to the overall health and diversity of your professional habitat. This is your relationship ecosystem.

But here's a crucial question: How diverse is your ecosystem? Are you surrounded by a rich variety of perspectives and experiences, or is your network a monoculture of similar minds?

The power of a truly diverse relationship ecosystem lies in its ability to expand your influence and propel you toward your goals. By cultivating connections across various industries, expertise levels, and backgrounds, you create a network that's not just wide but deep and dynamic.

This is the second article in our how-to series. If you missed the first one, where I discussed your top 100 relationships, you can read it here. In this article, I’ll explore why diversifying your relationship ecosystem is critical for professional growth and how you can start building a network that opens doors you didn't even know existed.

The Problem: A Myopic Approach to Relationships

If relationships are an investment, your checkbook and calendar reveal the breadth and depth of your connections. But here's the harsh truth: most professionals have a myopic view of their relationship ecosystem.

If you're in FinTech, do you primarily network with other FinTech professionals? If you're in cybersecurity, is your circle limited to fellow cybersecurity experts often found at the annual RSA? This narrow focus creates an echo chamber, stifling diversity of thought and limiting your influence.

Let's be clear: when I talk about diversity, I’m not just referring to ethnic or gender diversity, though those are crucial. I’m talking about cognitive diversity - unique perspectives and experiences that challenge your thinking and broaden your horizons.

The problem is that most of us don't think in terms of diverse relationship buckets. We stick to what's familiar and comfortable, overlooking the potential of connections in politics, international circles, or even different industries.

For example, a year ago, I realized I didn't know enough politicians. Why would anyone want more politicians in their network? Because they're influential. Local policies, like noise ordinances, affect our daily lives. By expanding my network to include policymakers, I've gained new insights and opportunities to better understand what influences their thinking and call to action.

The more diverse your relationship buckets, the broader your influence footprint. But most of us are trapped in a myopic view, missing out on the rich tapestry of connections that could propel our careers forward.

The Solution: Building a Diverse Relationship Ecosystem

The answer to this myopic approach is cultivating a diverse relationship ecosystem. Think of your network as a collection of different buckets, each representing a unique sphere of influence or expertise.

At the macro level, start by categorizing relationships as personal or professional. Let's break these down:

Personal Buckets:

• Educational alumni: University friends from undergraduate or graduate school

• Hobby or passion groups (e.g., motorcycle enthusiasts, fly fishing clubs)

• Civic and community organizations

• Non-profit connections or boards you may serve on

• Neighbors and other friends in close physical proximity

Professional Buckets:

• Internal company relationships

• Customers

• Prospects

• Advisors or coaches

• Local business community

• Regulatory or compliance contacts

The key is to have enough diversity based on your current position and future aspirations. There's no magic number of connections for each bucket. Instead, ask yourself: Do I have enough variety to support where I am now and where I want to go?

Remember, each of these buckets offers unique perspectives and opportunities. Your university alumni might provide insights into different industries. Your hobby connections could lead to unexpected business opportunities. Civic engagement might connect you with influential community leaders.

By consciously building and nurturing these diverse buckets, you're creating a rich, multifaceted network that can propel your career in unexpected and exciting directions.

The Desired Outcome

You've heard of the six degrees of separation, right? Well, in business, we're typically just three degrees away from almost anyone we need to reach. The goal of a diverse relationship ecosystem is to connect these dots more efficiently, effectively, and quickly.

By building a varied network, you're not just solving today's problems - you're preparing for challenges you haven't even thought of yet. The desired outcome is simple: whatever your goal, you want to be able to leverage your diverse connections to find solutions and seize opportunities faster than ever before.

The Steps

1. Identify Your Current Position and Goals: Start by determining your journey from "now" to "next." Where are you today, and where are you trying to get to? Be clear about your personal and professional aspirations.

2. Evaluate Current Relationship Buckets: What relationship ecosystems are most relevant to you today? These are the connections you want to nurture.

3. Identify Future Valuable Relationship Buckets: Consider what relationship ecosystems will be most valuable in your future state. Who do you need to know to get where you're going?

4. Make Logical Connections: Find the most sensible links between your current network and where you want to go. For example, if you're a teacher looking to move into corporate learning and development, your educational association might have connections to that world.

5. Proactively Build Connections: Start making those connections individually. Attend industry events, reach out for informational interviews, and leverage your existing network to make introductions.

6. Anticipate Potential Surprises: The grass isn't always greener. Research and prepare for the realities of your desired position or location before making big moves.

What's Next: Evolving Your Relationship Ecosystem

Remember, your relationship ecosystem is a living organism. It should change and evolve as you progress in your journey. When you reach a new stage in your career or life, double down on nurturing relevant relationships while considering your next move.

Your "now to next" is a moving target. As you achieve goals, set new ones. Your relationship ecosystem should support this continuous growth journey, acting as rocket boosters propelling you toward each new aspiration.

It’s Never Too Late…

Maintaining a diverse and evolving relationship ecosystem is crucial for your professional growth and personal development. It's not just about who you know—it's about who you know in different spheres, industries, and walks of life.

Take a moment to assess your current network. Are all your connections from the same industry, geographic area, or stage of life? If so, it's time to branch out.

It’s never too late. Start today. Identify gaps in your relationship ecosystem and proactively seek out diverse connections. Remember, every new relationship is a potential door to opportunities you haven't even imagined yet. Your future self will thank you for the rich, varied network you're building now.