What We Learn From Good ‘Ol Boy Networks
life·@kristinaljfom·
0.000 HBDWhat We Learn From Good ‘Ol Boy Networks
<html> <p><img src="https://pp.userapi.com/c638925/v638925924/63226/slYm8FmHBN4.jpg" width="800" height="800"/></p> <p>A few weeks ago I was meeting with a group of skilled professionals and I was surprised that some of them indicated the “good ol’ boy networks” could be more powerful social media networking.</p> <p>Granted good ol’ boy networks are a very tight network. It is difficult to break through them if you are the new guy in town. One of the characteristics of the good ol’ boy network is to exclude any others who are not a part of. Their strength comes from not allowing other interference. It is as though interference of others would weaken the influence each participant had.</p> <p>One could actually be “born into” this type of network. You become a part of just because of who your parents are or who you know. Not necessarily because you had a superior product.</p> <p>I have been part of a good ol’ boys network and there have been times I have been the new kid on the block trying to peddle my wares whatever they may be at the time. I have had quite a few businesses as I am an entrepreneur spirit.</p> <p>As a part of the good ol’ boy network it did not really require me to come up with a sophisticated way to market my business. Just hanging out was good enough. Drink a few beers with the rest of the good ol’ boys stroke some egos, offer a few “favors” and that is about it. Doing a favor meant bending the rules a bit or giving a discount. Sometimes the way things were handled did not always seem “fair” to an outsider but no one seemed to care what an outsider would think. It seemed like the right thing to do to give your friends and neighbors favors.</p> <p><img src="https://pp.userapi.com/c639716/v639716269/270f8/AcfXxje8lW4.jpg" width="1080" height="1080"/></p> <p>It is not a good idea to challenge a good ol’ boy network as there were those within the network who would actually purposefully use their “power” to make your life miserable until you complied.</p> <p>Many economic environments were built these types of networks. Could this type of networking be harmful in this economy?</p> <p>In recent times, I like many others have discovered marketing via social media. Like the good ol’ boy net work it too is based on relationship building. However that is where the similarities stop.</p> <p>In contrast one of the largest benefits of social media networking is the inclusion of others and businesses. Other businesses and other competitors are not necessarily a threat. Should businesses work in harmony with each other there is great potential to make it a win win for all, this would include the consumer and our economic market. Allowing others to benefit and contribute to the purpose or plan provides strength. The more diverse the better ones influence could be.</p> <p>I refer often to things my father taught me. He had purchased a small business and was a small fish in a big pond of a good ol’ boys network. He was an outsider in a small town. However, he brought an expertise to his particular industry that was not available anywhere else at the time. I learned from him that a competitor could be helpful. Working together they could be stronger. So develop relationships with the competitors and establish trust and it is a win win for the consumer. By using this strategy he was able to break in to the good ol’ boy net work and establish his expertise in the market. As a result he was very successful.</p> <p>Social media networking participants work to establish relationships and then to market their product or cause. It is not about whom you know but who knows you.</p> <p>When using Twitter for example there are many people willing to help you navigate through the maze to make it easier for you to be part of the cool kids club. The purpose here is to develop relationships not to exclude anyone but to make the environment stronger for the betterment of the whole. The possibilities are unlimited when we work together.</p> <p> <img src="https://pp.userapi.com/c837638/v837638269/1a58c/0JWSTTSyrxQ.jpg" width="720" height="960"/></p> <p>This means the focus has to be on the benefit to the consumer. “Isn’t it suppose to be about the customer?” you ask. Yes, but not always is it especially when dealing with the good ol’ boys.</p> </html>