A network is a garden.

What do great gardeners do?

Well, they collect seeds of plants that they like. They collect a wide variety to create a lush garden. And then they water and water and water, every day. They find joy in the watering. Slowly but surely, the plants grow and grow and grow.

Turns out, some of those plants work well together! The very best gardener make sure those plants are near each other. Make sure they can help each other out.

Some plants may lead to new seeds. A good gardener gets to know the seed (what it’s growing towards, etc), and then they grab the hose and water (and water and water and water).

Occasionally plants blossom and bear fruit. A great gardener takes the fruit, maybe makes them into a tasty dish, then heads right back to the garden. They continue to water and water and water and prune and water. Sure, they love fruit. But the best gardeners just love gardening! They love finding seeds, planting 'em, watering 'em, and seeing 'em turn into plants. They love pruning out bad plants. And occasionally, they harvest for eating.

Great gardens come from great gardeners, not great eaters.

Same goes for great professional (or personal!) networks.

- L

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