Many people who don’t really understand the power of networks and Networlding get insight when I share with them that Oprah has built a great Networld. When Malcolm Gladwell wrote The Tipping Point he referenced the scientific reality that we can’t communicate with more than 15 people regularly at any one time.

In Networlding I make it even more simple for building a network by taking that network down to ten people and referring to it as a your “Power-of-Ten” Circle. Sociologists (which I am one) refer to this circle as your “primary circle.” So to bring your Power-of-Ten Circle to life think of Oprah and her circle. Who would be in that circle or alliance network? How about:

1. Suzie Orman - financial sage and the author of nine books, including her latest, Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan
2. Nate Berkus – Nate Berkus is a featured design expert for The Oprah Winfrey Show and a regular contributor to the pages of O at Home.
3. Lisa Kogan – 40 something columnist for Oprah’s magazine.
4. Dr. Maya Angelou - hailed as a remarkable Renaissance woman, a beloved poet and best-selling author, Dr. Angelou has the unique ability to captivate listeners through the vigor and sheer beauty of her lyrics and words.
5. Dr. Katz – nationally renowned authority on nutrition and chronic disease prevention and columnist—is here to help you digest it all. O, The Oprah Magazine
6. Adam Glassman – the creative director of O, The Oprah Magazine tells you what your best friends won’t. Adam fields questions from readers on everything from age-appropriate clothing to how to be comfortable and still look great during a long airplane flight.
7. Martha Beck – life coach and O, The Oprah Magazine columnist Martha Beck has the blueprint to stress-free living.
8. Bob Greene - Bob Greene is an exercise physiologist and certified personal trainer specializing in fitness, metabolism and weight loss.
9. Dr. Oz - Dr. Oz is the health expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show. He is chief medical consultant to Discovery Communications and has hosted several shows, including Second Opinion with Dr. Oz and Life Line.
10. John St. Augustine - He is the author of Living an Uncommon Life: Essential Lessons from 21 Extraordinary People and a sought-after speaker on human potential and purpose. Now, John’s hosting his own show on Oprah Radio, interviewing some of the world’s most influential thinkers, leaders and experts on personal empowerment. (Networlding Note: John was connected to Oprah through someone from Networlding and that is how he made the great connection. He is one of my favorite people and the best talk show host. I met John years ago when I was on his radio show after writing Angels in the Workplace).

Of course there are others, but realistically there is still the phenomenon that exists in the science of networks called “The Law of the Few” which essentially states that it will be the few people you know that will really make the difference in your life. Gladwell refers to people as “sales people,” “mavens” and “connectors.” In Networlding I say that people can have all three abilities. When they do I call them “Networlders.” Also, note that I believe people can also learn and build these skills. Of course some people won’t be as good as others but then they can always surround themselves with a Power-of-Ten Network or Networld as Oprah has.

Playing out this real power network even further by folding into it the element of values-based networking, you don’t have to wonder too much whether the above ten people in Oprah’s network have similar and complimentary values which is what I have found is needed to leverage a successful network. From what I know of the above ten they are all true leaders and create additional value by being part of Oprah’s network and vice versa.

So now ask yourself who should be in your Power-of-Ten Circle? Want to start a circle yourself? Email us at info@networlding.com and we’ll help you get started.

Potential Partner Guide
First think about your values and imagine the ideal mix of people you would want in your primary circle. Avoid editing yourself; let your ideas and imagination flow. Jot down your wish list. Explore sources to find connectors, influencers . . . in other words Networlders.
Consider the following:
FAST Company magazine
40 under 40 lists (Crains usually publishes this)
Magazines that list the best companies for women to work in, the best ethical companies, the companies with the best CEO’s (Sources include Forbes, Crains, Fortune, Inc, etc)
Showcased articles in local newspapers – business sections, on top business leader (you are looking for people who, through their words or stories, espouse complimentary values to yours)
Referrals from your local chamber to top business leaders
Research on the web with heading such as “socially responsible companies, business leaders, top business leaders, etc.)

In establishing your primary circle it is necessary to consider what characteristics these individuals should have. It is important to find people who will not only support where you are now, but will also help you grow and be an active part of a mutually beneficial relationship. People in your primary circle should have some or all of these characteristics.

1. Has a wide variety of connections
2. Is very observant of people
3. Has a talent for staying in touch
4. Outwardly focused
5. Sensitive to other’s needs

There are five more important characteristics to seek in a potential primary circle member. This information is available in the Networlding Guide Book. To get a free copy contact Melissa at Networlding. Click Here