Nets Work

"Nets work". I heard it as clear as day. It was something I had known and understood for years, but in that moment from the Lord, I  realized just how important...no, not important, but critical and foundational our relationships and our networks are going to be in the  days ahead both personally and professionally.

The word came while I was in the midst of a three day leader's summit. The question of why I was even there had already surfaced in  
my mind.  There were people who knew more, were better connected, better equipped, and better trained then me.  I realized that I was  
there because of the people that I knew, those that I had come along to assist and serve. The Lord is constructing a net and I am to be a part of the fiber of the bigger picture.  We are all called to be a part of that net.

On a personal level, the fiber of our nets will be built with those people that we invest in and those that invest in us. It's the people  
that we love and serve.  We are called to bear one another's burdens. We are called to esteem other's more than we do ourselves.  We are  
called to look out for the interests of others.  I think it's fair to say that people matter most to God.  He uses our friendships to  
encourage us and to assist us in times of need and adversity. We need to tighten the net.  We need to make sure we value people first and  
foremost and become purposeful and intentional about making relationships a high priority in our lives.

On the business front, it is known that people do business with those they know, like, and trust.  This is foundational, yet most often  
overlooked.  We tend to look more at the bottom line, at the quick fix, and what new system can be implemented to make a quick change.  The process of building solid relationships can take longer, but the payoff is well worth it.  Look at your clients and start asking them questions. Do you really know why they buy your product or service? Do you really know what their core values are?  Are there ways you can  make them feel more and more appreciated?  Remember their birthdays?   Send more notes just because, instead of sending out your latest sales incentive. As markets tighten and the competition gets stiffer, the  people who will chose you and your company over the others are the  ones you have added value to, the ones who know you on a personal  level, the ones who trust you because they know you care.  Beef up your relationship marketing program.  I heard a wise old man once say  that friends equal funds.  Go out there and make some new friends.  Invest some time with the old ones, and have fun doing it!!  Your bottom line WILL increase.

Yes, nets work.  Nets keep things in and keep things out.  They catch us when we fall.  Nets do not let things fall between the cracks.   
They create a holding place for plenty.  The bigger the net, the more ground it will cover.  Today is the day to begin to build and pour  
into the only thing that will truly matter in the days ahead...on all levels.  Love those around you and serve everyone you can. It works!

Elizabeth Braswell