“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts...”
Acts 2:42-46
Biblical Networking Approach
Others Focused (not self focused) - "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." (Phil 2:3-4)
Give (not take) - "Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor" (1 Cor 10:24); "Give, and it will be given to you..." (Luke 6:38)
Grow a Family (not grow contacts) - "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Gal 6:10)
Levels of Relationships
We can distinguish all our relationships into these categories:
Accidents/Acquaintances
Associates
Actives
Advocates
Allies
Each of the levels translates into these networking relationship activities, respectively:
Know
Like
Trust (and Buy)
Refer
Partner
When networking with the intent to give and receive referrals, we naturally start with the allies.
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