Networking VS. Ecosystem Merging: What really is the difference?

Many are very familiar with the act of networking in order to seek out new ventures for their business. However, there’s a more efficient way to grow your business, while being in integrity. Instead of looking at another entrepreneur thinking “What can you do for me?”, ecosystem merging has a mindset of “What can we do for each other?”

Networking refers to “the action or process of interacting and exchanging information with others who share common interests.” Ecosystem merging, on the other hand, may sound new to most. An ecosystem is an interconnected system of groups. In an ecosystem, all organisms rely on each other to survive and thrive. Meanwhile, the word ‘merge’ is the act of combining or joining forces together to make one whole. Each business is essentially their own ecosystem, so when merged together, the businesses can both maximize their resources and create mutual improvements all together. With ecosystem merging, the mentality is combining or joining forces, so that both parties can experience more growth together, than if they were to do it alone.

Ecosystem merging dives deeper than just the surface of getting to know people for the sake of marketing. When ecosystems merge, there is more potential to save time, money, and effort on all parties involved. But what really is the difference between Networking and Ecosystem Merging?

What is the difference between Networking and Ecosystem Merging?

Many people want to connect with others through networking, while unaware that there is another way to maximize their business. Networking has been described as transactional, negotiation focused, and aimed at obtaining sales. This can make a lot of people uncomfortable, as it doesn’t come across as compassionate, but rather selfish.

When presented with the opportunity, people use networking to meet people randomly in hopes of getting marketing referrals. The situation then leads into selecting people to be members of a certain referral organization. As you can see, there are steps that should be followed chronologically to consider networking successful.

Why is it important?

Ecosystem merging requires mastering the process of identifying which group or ‘ecosystem’ you would exponentially benefit from the most. Sean Callagy, Creator of UNBLINDED, has introduced ecosystem merging and its many possibilities into the entrepreneurial world. Callagy describes it as a partnership and joining a group of people with the overall intention of rising to leadership together. When practicing ecosystem merging, both parties allow their resources to be shared with one another in order to add more value to what already exists.

Needless to say, networking has worked well for a long time now, but as the business world continues to evolve, possibilities are endless. As we continue to expand our businesses and connections, we should always remain open to continually building synergies with others. At the end of the day, we all are aiming for the same goals anyway: to succeed, to inspire, and to grow.

Would you like to participate in an ecosystem merger program? We are currently looking to gather hungry and driven professionals to grow their business and build relationship capital with fellow entrepreneurs. Be a guest on one of our upcoming episodes of the Real Raw Open Show! Visit us on tncllc.net Send us an email at vasupport@tncllc.net to know more.