He isn’t wrong, though. I had assumed “networking” was something sales people did, or entrepreneurs, or people desperate to find a job. Though I could see that Network Hippo was a powerful app, I assumed that, since I don’t “network”, it didn’t really apply to me.

It was only after the fact, once we had all our ducks lined up for our move, that I realized that “asking around”, “making a few calls”, “getting friends to keep their eyes open”, etc. had helped us navigate every critical facet of the move – finding a job, getting a house, finding school and childcare. We hadn’t placed or answered ads in the paper, we had asked our friends and relationships to help out – we had “networked”.

I realized that my “network” isn’t limited to my scientific colleagues with whom I’m rarely in contact, and “using my network” isn’t limited to finding new business and research opportunities. My network includes friends from high school, co-workers from 10-years ago summer camp, and my wife’s extended family, among so many others. These people and, impressively, *friends* of these people whom we’ve never met, were able to help us navigate challenges that had nothing to do with my work. Though I didn’t realize it, networking made it all possible.

Now that I see the value of my network, I’m excited about making it tangible and easier to use for all sorts of things. Though we were ultimately successful, my networking “strategy” simply involved casual mentions in conversation, or directed emails to whatever people happened to come to mind. A tool that allows me to survey my network in one shot, and quickly identify people who might be able to help with whatever comes up, will be of great use.

If I could make a suggestion for the Hippo, though, maybe there could be a tab so I can see which of my contacts are most likely to want to volunteer to help me move? And I don’t mean my cheese. I mean furniture. Anyone?