I have been pondering the powerful dynamics between community involvement and networking. In a world increasingly driven by transactions, social media and AI technology, understanding the interplay of feminine and masculine energies within us can enlighten our approach to relationships and success.

Before I get the push back on the use of these two energies, I want to stress that this is not about being female, or being male. We all have both energies, how we access and are driven by them may vary, along with the results. We can all choose which is the most successful for us. My thoughts in these Ponderings are always about ensuring we maintain the ‘human touch’ in our professional lives.

 

Six core human needs in building relationships

In our journey of building relationships, both personally and professionally, we are driven by fundamental human needs. Tony Robbins identifies six core human needs that shape our decisions, behaviours, and relationships:

• Certainty – The need for stability, security, and predictability.
• Growth – The need for learning, personal development, and evolution.
• Variety – The need for excitement, change, and new experiences.
• Significance – The need to feel valued, important, and recognised.
• Love & Connection – The need for meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.
• Contribution – The need to give back to others, serve, and make an impact beyond our own needs.

While all six of these needs exist in each of us, they are often categorised into two distinct energies: Feminine and Masculine.

Interestingly for Thomas and I, we have a balance, Thomas is driven by networking and I am driven by community. This is how we work so well together within BIP100, balancing the critical ways we all need to be connected in order to serve our members.

 

Feminine Energy: The Soul of Community

Community is the realm where feminine energy flourishes, characterised by these 3 human needs:

• Love and Connection: Our innate desire to belong and be part of something greater than ourselves.
• Contribution: The drive to support, nurture, and foster mutual growth.
• Significance: Feeling valued and seen for who we are beyond our professional labels.

At BIP100, community transcends mere transactions. It’s about forming deep, enduring bonds and creating a space of emotional safety and authenticity. Here, interactions are transformative, building trust and a shared sense of purpose over time.

 

Masculine Energy: The Force of Networking

Contrastingly, networking embodies masculine energy, with a focus on:

• Growth: Relentlessly pursuing improvement and achievement.
• Certainty: Seeking control and predictable outcomes through strategic actions and relationships
• Variety: Embracing new challenges and diverse experiences, ensuring we remain excited through learning and new people.

Networking, as practiced by Thomas Power, is strategic and goal-orientated, emphasising introductions, referrals, and the creation of growth opportunities. It’s dynamic, driven by the need to expand and explore new business avenues.

 

Balancing Both Energies

To thrive, we must harness both energies.

Networking propels us forward, opening doors and catalysing opportunities. Meanwhile, community grounds us, providing a supportive backdrop where true growth can occur. This balance ensures that while we expand our horizons through networking, we remain anchored in a community that nourishes our deeper human needs.

As you navigate your professional and personal life, consider how you’re integrating these energies.

Are you fostering deep connections within a community while also pursuing strategic networking opportunities?

Let’s engage in this balanced approach, nurturing our professional networks with the same care and authenticity we seek in personal relationships.

You can share your experiences here on my LinkedIn post, I would love to discuss how we can collectively enhance our approach to building relationships in business and beyond.

 

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