I am big on social networks, but probably not for the reason you may think.

I’m not a social ‘butterfly”, I’m more bullish about networking and it’s all about the function for me.

I spent two years at the CISCO Academy rehearsing the practical applications of networking, but my learning could have never prepared me for the evolution that Web 2.0 has taken in regards to networking.

Let me put it this way.

I fundamentally believe that “networking” as we know it today will evolve and morph into the “yoke” of how we buy and sell products and services in the future. Social networks of today strongly mimic how we map and measure the value of relationships, and in many ways social networks of today exhibit our ability and our interest in relationships.

If individuals do not see the value in relationships…chances are likely that they will loose value to the network or “hive”.

Social Networks also have much to do with culture.

Relationships flow between people, groups, organizations, computers, web sites, and other information and knowledge processing entities, and really that’s as simple as it gets. The nodes or “hives” in the network are the people and groups while the links show relationships or flows between them. The bigger your “hive” the stronger the collective becomes.

I have come to really enjoy managing the relationships of people to products, groups, and organizations. Sometimes I may create, or foster scaleable and profitable relationships…other times the relationships are not warranted (at the time), but they may harbor value. What I appreciate most about Social Networks is that my networks are “mine”, unless I create them for another entity. That’s power!! As a management consultant, I use methodology and technology with my clients, so that I ultimately consult with them to build viral business networks on several levels. My point, “build as many “hives” as you can effectively manage, and then leverage them to become stronger.”

That’s what I think …

Send Questions or Comments to: Forrest Graves networking@alltel.net

http://www.jumpingoat.com

As we enter into the new year you may already have your resolution, but it may not be to late to amend your resolution.

How about drinking Coffee for your health?

I am a coffee lover, and I think I really do feel better when I drink coffee, so I was not surprised to learn that coffee can have some very real benefits to health.

Thank goodness that I don’t have any health issues, but it is somewhat comforting to know that I am at least doing one thing I love that may actually add to my health.

I found that folks who drink coffee on a regular basis are 80% LESS likely to develop Parkinson’s. Other research compares non-drinkers and found that at least two cups daily can translate to 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, and 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones.

If you drink coffee because of its antioxidants, or the “feel good” effects of caffeine you need to be aware that coffee may not be for everyone in terms of health. If you tremble, have rapid heartbeat, or increased nervousness…you may be consuming too much coffee.

I think the most balanced formula for health has the ingredient of “moderation”…whatever your resolution is.

References:

http://men.webmd.com/features/coffee-new-health-food