Most executives with whom I've spoken have a network of about 200 people. This is a good number when it comes to getting things done. It is not a good number for expanding the horizons of a career and ensuring a future. The optimum number for that agenda would be closer to 200,000. It isn't likely that one will ever have this many contacts on the Rolodex and it isn't important that one actually knows that many people. It is only important that they know you and, of course, your signature skills.
One can work very hard for decades to build a personal network of one to two hundred peers. On the other hand, one can build a constituency of two hundred thousand overnight by appearing in the media--print or television--and expressing your particular observations and solutions. This kind of visibility and positioning drives offers to you and increases the value of your services.
How many people know about you?
