A strange thing to say perhaps but that is the exact view of Thomas Power co founder  and Chairman of Ecademy

I met Thomas last night at the Weybridge Ecademy and he gave a powerful talk about the value of networks , being connected and the value of being connected.

The central message to us was that whilst our children understand the value of networks and we need to learn from them. In addition that well connected people never have to look for work  or contracts as these will find them some how.

I had a one to one  5 minute chat after the event and he shared some tips with me on how I can  resolve a current business challenge by growing my network.

Thomas said to me, Ida you can’t be that well connected if you can’t resolve that challenge through your network!

I did wonder whether he had a point so I started to look back on some of the most recent experiences I have had with a view to testing his theory after all I pride myself on my networking abilities!

If you read my story of how I got started with Ethnic Supplies , I will now fill you in with some of the  detail that tests Thomas’ theory.

I mentioned a visit to Madagascar to meet the producers there. I got two phone calls one was from a local glossy magazine known as The Elmbridge, they  had heard about what I was up to and wanted to do a feature about me and my work  The other and perhaps most significant was a call from my local Business Link in Woking.

They wanted me to be a panelist on their road shows  entitled  WHAT  IS  STOPPING YOU  and the idea was that I would share my experiences fo setting up Ethnic Supplies with other women.  The last of these events I took part in was in February this year where I met Jackie who was a panelist too.

Fast forward to May 2009 and I am in Uganda with a client when an email drops in from Jackie, it said

Ida I was touched by story and wondred if you would be  willing to appear as a panelist at our annual general meeting in March next year  as I think some of our members will find it inspiring!

Jackie is someone I have come to know and like and I  immediately accepted  her request and if you are a woman in business I would urge you to connect with her and better still sign up for her event in March.

Back to Thomas’ theory, is this what he means when he says  that if you are well connected  opportunities will find you? Is connecting enough?

Would love to hear your views on these issues