An organization asked me to give a presentation on building an intentional network. I’ve cultivated a large network, compromised of people I’ve met through work and winding my way through the years. I’m grateful for these relationships, but did I grow my network intentionally?

Intention is defined as an act determining a specific result. I’ve been attending A/E/C networking events for 20 years. When I started working, I bonded with people who could relate to my challenges. These days, my network provides business intelligence and opportunities. Looking back, my professional network consists of people I genuinely enjoy, and others with whom I’ve shared a common struggle.

Friends tend to help each other. When someone I’ve lost touch with reaches out to help, it’s unexpected. Often, this assistance is more like an out-of-the-blue rescue – and my Good Samaritan just wants to lend a helping hand. To keep the circle going, I pay it forward. I do my best to help others with no expectations of anything in return. I enjoy looking back, and evaluating the randomness of it all. There is a result, but it’s never pre-defined.