GTML Network

The significance of Social Capital and Networking

“Relationships are all there is. Everything in the universe only exists because it is in relationship to everything else. Nothing exists in isolation. We have to stop pretending we are individuals that can go it alone.” — Margaret Wheatley, American Author, Speaker and Management Consultant

 

“There is no such thing as a “self-made” man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success.” — George Burton Adams, American Medievalist Historian

 

“It matters less how smart you are, how much innate talent you’re born with, or where you came from and how much you started out with.
Sure, all these are important, but they mean little if you don’t understand one thing: You can’t get there alone. In fact, you can’t get very far at all.”

 

“Poverty isn’t only a lack of financial resources; it is the isolation from the kind of people who could help you make more of yourself.”

“SUCCESS IN LIFE = (THE PEOPLE YOU MEET) + (WHAT YOU CREATE TOGETHER)” — Keith Ferrazzi, American Author and Entrepreneur

Different types of Social Networking Model

There are different types of social networking models. Below are some examples.

• Random Networking Model: People connect with each other randomly and make a huge network without giving much thought to what they want from each other or if they can ever get those wants. Think of this as the “I will make friends with everyone I meet” approach. It’s like collecting Pokémon without knowing what any of them can do. 🤔 They’re expanding their network like a wizard gathering magical creatures. Sadly, these won’t cast any spells for them.

  Some examples of this model is: making acquaintances with random people on road, nearby your home, office, etc., and platforms like Facebook and Reddit.

• Niche Networking Model: People connect with each other with a specific purpose in their mind which is skewed towards reaping benefits only. It’s like building an Avengers team, but instead of superpowers, they have self-centric desires. 😈 This networking is usually based on parameters such as gender, looks, education, status, power and position.

  Some real life examples are social clubs, pubs, communities, and platforms like Bumble, Instagram and LinkedIn.

• Give & Take – Match & Link model: Now, here’s the star of the show. 🕺 This model, proposed by Sumiet Talekar, is all about conscious connections wherein two or more people, not randomly but consciously, come together to form a bond and supplement each other to achieve common goals. Eventually creating a vast network of vital connections wherein every node has a strong flow of give and take energies. The psychology of this model is: self grow and help grow – a true win-win. Picture this: you’re not just building a team, you’re crafting a symphony where each instrument complements the other. 🎼

  This concept is actually followed by all the successful people out there.

Objectives of the GTML Model

• The primary aim of this model is to strategically identify and match the mutual needs/expectations with your connections in an effort to decide if you should link with each other to achieve your common goals.

• Secondarily, to help free yourself of your time and efforts by eliminating those people from your life whose company would take you nowhere. No more wasting time on people who lead you down to dead-end alleys. 👊

Working of the model: GTML Assessment

You need to sit down in peace and grab a friend or a potential connection and take an assessment with your connection. The age of this connection should be at least 30 interactions or 30 days old. This is to ensure a clean dataset for both of you. Think of it as letting wine age to perfection. 🍷

You can take help of any basic digital drawing tools, or an excel sheet, or even a pen and paper may suffice.

Now take two sheets/canvas, one for you and one for your connection, each with a table of two columns –

• Blue column of Take: “What they have” (Your Interest)
• Yellow column of Give: “What you have” (Their Interest)

List down the data in at least five cells in the form of rows under G & T columns. It’s like crafting a treasure map, marking your desires and offerings.

Now, match these blue columns with yellow columns from both the sheets like you’re playing a game of Connect 4, and the more overlaps you find, the more clues you uncover. 🧐 Depending on the overlaps, you’ll get one of these results:

• No green overlap (No Link): This signifies that both parties can’t fulfill each other’s needs or aspirations. It’s like realizing you’re in different chapters of the same book, and it’s time to move to a different library. 📖
• Single cell (or 20%) green overlap (Weak Link): Draw a dotted line and link both of you. You might have a connection, but it’s like a shoestring – easy to snap. ☄️ It’s like creating a link but realizing it’s just a prototype.
• Two to three cells (or 40-60%) green overlaps (Strong Link): Draw a line and link both of you. Your connection is good enough to get some mutually benefits. This is a golden connection. Treasure it like a pot of gold. 🏺
• More than three (or > 60%) green overlaps (Great Link): Draw a bold line and link both of you. This link is your ticket to greatness. This is like discovering a treasure chest full of opportunities. 🧰️

  (Please Note: The resulting green cells in both the person’s G and T columns should be proportional. If they are unbalanced, it means that Person A is giving more than what he/she is receiving from Person B and vice versa. Such connection may result in toxicity in future, no matter how strong the link may be.)

Rules for the Assessment

• Keep it ethical, people. No shady expectations or explicit stuff, unless you’re dealing with a crush (and maybe even then, tread lightly).
• The data should be specific and not vague or broad in terms. For example, if your interest in other person is how good he speaks in public, you should write “public speaking” in your T column’s cell instead of vague terms like “art”, “personality”, “communication”, etc.
• You need at least 5 cells of data in a column. The more the cells, the more the accuracy along with a high likeliness of green cells.
• Your Give cells and Take cells in the table should be balanced. Your expectations should be proportional to the offerings what you can give others.
• Also, don’t forget to have a substantial history with the other person – 30 interactions or 30 days. Imagine it like building a puzzle; the more pieces you have, the clearer the picture.
• The assessment can be attempted for maximum thrice with a gap of at least 30 interactions/30 days. If you get no green cells even after three attempts, then elimination of such a connection is recommended.

Real world application of the model

In the age of social media, it’s easy to randomly amass a multitude of connections and proclaim a robust network. Sure, you can collect connections like trading cards, but if there’s no give and take, it’s like having a chocolate teapot – pretty but utterly useless. The GTML model ensures you’re with the right people and for the right reasons. Only those who dare to ask while having something to give will thrive and reach the heights of success. It’s like joining a crew for a mission where everyone has a role. 💪

Limitations of the model

• They won’t give you data. Sometimes, your connection might be as tight-lipped as a secret agent. Or they may have no incentive to take this assessment. Simply they may not care enough to do this hustle or they may even want to safeguard their intentions.
• They may give you wrong data. People are often unable to tell you openly what exactly they are expecting from you. This may be because they themselves don’t know what they want or wish to learn from you.
• Times change, so do the expectations. The assessment taken today will not serve for lifetime. As life evolves and situations change, so do expectations. What people want from you today will change as soon as your or their status changes.

Solutions to the limitations

• Limitation 1: They won’t give you data. In such cases, it falls upon you to complete their sheet. It’s akin to becoming a detective and crafting a profile based on the clues you’ve gathered. 🕵️♂️ However, you should ensure that the data you are feeding is free from biases/assumptions.
• Limitation 2. They may give you wrong data. To circumvent this, coax them into a lighthearted assessment, not a soul-baring session while encouraging them to provide non-sensitive information. It’s like convincing someone to spill the beans without them realizing they’re giving away their secrets. 🤫
• Limitation 3: Times change, so do the expectations. The assessment isn’t a one-and-done deal; update it periodically, like your social media status. Think of it as updating your wardrobe to match the season’s trends. 💃

Criticism of the model

• This model projects selfishness and not generosity. The people who have always been generous and selfless often complain that they are taken for granted by the other person. Such feelings pile up and usually lead to toxic environment for both the persons. After all, it’s in human nature. We always subconsciously want something in return. It’s just that some people never let this float on the conscious layer of the brain and on their tongues. Think of this model as removing the invisible superhero capes that say “I’m selfless.” 🦸
• The model is too theoretical and unpractical in real environment. On paper, this model might appear theoretical and unfeasible. However, when the GTML philosophy submerges in our daily mindset, we get the ability to perform this activity on-the-go and off-the-paper. Imagine it as transitioning from reading a recipe to becoming a master chef, intuitively. 👨🍳 The activity becomes spontaneous and a web of meaningful connections is created with an environment of “grow together” philosophy.

Futuristic application of the model

Imagine a digital realm where the GTML philosophy finds its home, an online platform or mobile application custom-tailored to create your GTML network. 🌐 While singing up, you shall enter data for your GT columns: what you want or wish to learn from your probable connections and what you can offer or willing to teach them in return. The more exhaustive list you create for your GT, the more perfect connections will be added in your GTML network based on the other person’s GT. It’s like having your personal matchmaking app for your networking life, where algorithms match you with the ideal connections. Once you are connected with such wonderful connections, you can align together to create something beautiful and share a blissful journey of success. 💰

Further improvements in the model

This is an initial glimpse of the model, where it’s like a first brushstroke on the canvas – a bit rough around the edges; however, the potential for a masterpiece is evident. 🎨 I’ve deliberately left the runway clear for your ingenious ideas and suggestions, eagerly anticipating the gems of wisdom you might bestow upon this endeavour. And if you’re as daring as a knight on a quest, and ready to co-author this model to take it to the heights of excellence, please know that my phone is eager for your message. 😉 Welcoming you to be a part of this epic journey towards brilliance and beyond. 🚀