How to build a personal ecosystem

We live in a connected world. This should simplify building personal ecosystems, it is easier to connect nowadays than in the PI (Pre Internet) age. In theory. In real-life a lot of people seem to miss out on the advantages that come with building a personal ecosystem. When was the last time someone called you because he wanted to share a success story, achieved with someone you introduced him to? Have you involved someone in a business opportunity the last six months? We all live in an ecosystem. Whether you are in business or not, you are part of one, or maybe more. Your own personal ecosystem is the first level on your way to friendship, happiness, success or whatever you are aiming for in live. How many meaningful connections have you brought about this month? With how many of your older connections did you establish any form of contact recently?

In this world, you won’t come as far on your own as you will with valuable connections. Everybody needs a push now and then. Friends, business relationships and partners will allow you to reach your goals. It is all about creating synergy. Working together and sharing ideas is a long term investment that will create a perpetual motor force driving satisfaction and creativity. But what does it take to create an ecosystem?

Building an ecosystem doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and a lot of sharing and giving back to the community. You need to know now who you are, what you believe and why you believe it. Let’s start with nine critical takeaways that will help you build an ecosystem around you.

1. Passion comes from a person, not from a brand.

   I like to buy my groceries at a grocer, not at the supermarket. Why? First of all, I like the shop and I know the owner. Second, he has proven to always deliver quality food. Third and foremost, I like the noticeable passion he feels for his products. It is something you will never experience in a supermarket. Probably because that’s a brand and not a person. People like to buy from you or work with you if you are passionate in what you do.

2. Be confident and thrive.

   Personal growth is something that comes naturally. But this human built-in capability can be blocked by several reasons; one of them is fear. A lot of people are living with a degree of fear. When this is transcending the healthy dose of anxiety that normally boosts people, it will stop creativity from thriving. Fear is a path to the dark side, as my favourite Star Wars character Yoda once said. If you are able to take away people’s fear, they won’t be afraid to admit mistakes, which allows them to grow again.

3. Be the teacher that never stops learning.

   Teach when people around you express the need for knowledge you are able to provide them with. Before you are suited to teach, pass on your skills and share your knowledge, you need to learn yourself. Be the eager apprentice you want your friends, colleagues, employees or followers to be.

4. Company goals are just that.

   Company goals are important, but they are no holy grail. In the pursuit of these goals you should never surpass your own values and personal development. After all, your performance is depending on your positive energy.

5. Partnership and marriage are not the same.

   Partnership is very important in business, but don’t confuse it with marriage. Relationships can be temporary, especially business relationships. Most of them are. That’s fine. Get the most out of every partnership. When there arises a profound difference between the journeys both parties are making, it is time to split up and wish each other all the best.

6. Make sure you understand people.

   By understanding people you can create value together. It just takes some talking and listening. If both parties know what is going on in each other’s lives, improving collaboration will be the next logical step.

7. Understanding the marketplace is key.

   You must understand the dynamics of the market. Get the hang of why the market is where, why it does what it does and why developments are heading where they are heading. Apprehend the functioning of the value chain on micro level and play a role in it by taking your part.

8. Goals are just variable pawns on your map. Take charge of the direction.

   Success is a journey, not a destination. Cliché, but true. The direction on where you want to go, is probably the one thing you know. The exact location will continuously change. It is subject to the changes in the world around you, to your growing ideas and evolving vision. Therefore you are constantly revising your goals. But one thing is for sure, there is always the first step. Not taking the first step is the dangerous pitfall.

9. Share. Sharing is an integral part of life.

   Not only does technology enable you to share your ideas, also your assets may be shared, sometimes even your risks. An initiative like Toogethr (ridesharing) is a great example. By sharing you enhance your ecosystem. In the end that is what it’s all about.

Along with these takeaways, the main tools you need to build and maintain an ecosystem include storytelling, partnership and giving back to the community. Building an ecosystem means connecting the players within. Keep up with existing connections and making it easy for new people to join and connect. Meanwhile, maintain your focus. Don’t get lost in a maze of other people’s goals…

If you have anything to add to this blog, please feel free to do this in a comment below.

Arjen van Berkum

Arjen van Berkum is a columnist, keynote speaker and motivator, with an eye for business ecosystems, innovation and disruption. In addition to his work as technology and contract management evangelist, he is a visiting lecturer at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).