By Tony Selzo,
In the Style of Ben Franklin
What would Benjamin Franklin say?
I don’t know if you know this, but Benjamin Franklin started an organization, which, 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, the first hospital, a 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 that with this given power came the responsibility to be a citizen.
Today, we are entering into very interesting times for our nation’s 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 their 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 the community and even 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, I think I am going to quit the from volunteering at the fire department.”
Tony ScelzoRainmakers Marketing Group
317-216-6345
Tony@gorainmakers.com
