Lessons from Ruth on How to Network Vertically

Lessons from Ruth on How to Network Vertically

In my previous blog post, we discussed the 3 lessons that Ruth gives us about networking horizontally

Or, in the words of Issa Rae, “networking across” with your peers. Click here if you missed that, sis!

But here’s why I stated that networking up also has it’s place:

Whereas networking across allows you to kick start and actualise your dreams without the affirmation or approval of the powers that be within your industry, there are some seats at the table that you have to be invited to rather than create yourself.

For example, Ruth could not have gone from working in Boaz’ fields to owning them with him as his wife without him accepting her proposal (yes, you read that right! See Ruth 3 and 4). Likewise-

There are life and business goals that don’t happen without other people’s say so

For example, my godsister recently applied to start university this September. Without them accepting her, though, she couldn’t just show up to class and demand a degree! A friend of mine wants to start a charity but she has to go through the proper channels and authorities to get it registered. Likewise, when it comes to PR, you can’t get featured unless someone accepts your proposal or pitch- just as Boaz did for Ruth all those years ago.

So, how do we go about getting in front of these gatekeepers?

Well, to summarise what has already been alluded to, you must:

Lessons from Ruth on How to Network Horizontally

Lessons from Ruth on How to Network Horizontally

As I recently shared via Facebook and Instagram:

One of the common misconceptions about networking is that we should be approaching the top dogs or celebrities of our industry so that they can put us on

That being the case, no wonder so many people find it intimidating!

To quote Issa Rae, though, it's not about "networking up" (although I do believe this has its place). It's about looking at "who's next to you" and "networking across".

In other words, it’s about networking horizontally or with your peers.

Upon exploring Ruth’s life, we see that she is the perfect illustration of this very concept

For example…

Lessons from Ruth on how to keep showing up (even when you don't feel like it)

Lessons from Ruth on how to keep showing up (even when you don't feel like it)

A few weeks ago, I made mention of the fact that Ruth could have followed Naomi (her mother-in-law) to Bethlehem and chosen to do nothing but wallow in the house

Because, let’s face it, she had every excuse to- having lost her father and brother-in-law and become a widow herself. But she didn’t.

Instead of checking out of life, like Naomi did initially, Ruth decided that she would keep going and keep pushing forward for them both

Which, unless you missed my last 2 blog posts (here and here), you’ll know that Ruth’s decision to go work in the fields led to her marrying Boaz. birthing children and becoming one of Jesus' fore-mothers (Ruth 4:13-22; Matthew 1:1-16).

Which then begs the question: how do we as modern women keep showing up even when we don’t want to?

Especially when life happens, PMS happens or (from a business point of view) tech/staff issues happen- meaning that you don't always feel physically, mentally and/or emotionally able to put yourself out there and remain visible.

Lessons from Ruth on how to brand yourself for success

Lessons from Ruth on how to brand yourself for success

In my previous devotional, I mentioned that Ruth 2:11-12 states that Boaz didn’t just notice and become attracted to Ruth because she appeared working in his field but because he had heard reports about her bravery in leaving her own land (Moab) to follow Naomi to Bethlehem and kindness towards her since being there

You can click here to read it if you missed that!

Not only does this teach us- as modern women- a valuable lesson about visibility and the importance of networking, it teaches us lessons about branding and it’s importance too

Lessons from Ruth on how to let your gifts make room for you

Lessons from Ruth on how to let your gifts make room for you

In my previous devotional, I mentioned that Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi led to her marrying Boaz. birthing children and becoming one of Jesus' fore-mothers- as Jesus was a direct descendant of hers (Ruth 4:13-22; Matthew 1:1-16)

You can click here to read it if you missed that, sis!

Now that was a cute little overview but, to be honest, that’s not strictly true, sis!

Lessons from Ruth on why your instincts may be sabotaging your success (and how to avoid it)

Lessons from Ruth on why your instincts may be sabotaging your success (and how to avoid it)

Before I release each Woman Crush Wednesdays episode in my free group, Women of Influence, I re-watch them to write the show notes.

(Women of influence is a hub and sisterhood that I created for business women of faith to network, form community, learn from each other and weekly guest experts (via interviews with me). These interviews are the Woman Crush Wednesdays episodes which you can click here to access now!)

As I listened to Marlyne Pierce (who helps leaders build more profitable products and higher performing teams at scale) speak at the beginning of last week, she shared something that really spoke to me:

"What feels like intuition can sometimes be instinct".

An illustration of this quote can be seen through the events of Ruth’s life

For example, to quote from a previous devotional on success and what NOT to do:

Ruth 1:3-14, says:

Lessons from Mary on How to level Up

Lessons from Mary on How to level Up

My word for 2019 was Luke 1:45

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Here’s a bit of context around that verse:

Earlier in that chapter (Luke 1), the angel Gabriel had appeared to Zacharias to announce the birth of John the Baptist- who just so happened to be Jesus’ cousin (Luke 1: 5-23).

By the time Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her about Jesus, Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s mother) was already 6 months pregnant; so Mary went to stay with her (Luke 1:26-38).

This one move on Mary’s part shows us, as modern women, how a God-given vision requires us to level up

Lessons from the ant on how to build a collaborative team

Lessons from the ant on how to build a collaborative team

One of my favourite books of the Bible is Proverbs. When I’m feeling particularly demotivated (typically first thing in the morning), my go to scripture is Proverbs 6:10-11:

A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to sleep—
So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,
And your need like an armed man.

It literally snatches my edges and gathers me all the way together!

I’ve always really loved the lines before this scripture too. For example, Proverbs 6:6-8

Which reads:

Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise,
Which, having no captain,
Overseer or ruler,
Provides her supplies in the summer,
And gathers her food in the harvest.

Prior to my recent trip to Costa Rica, I always saw these lines a simple admonishment to:

  • Be a self-starter

  • Not procrastinate

  • Prepare

That all changed when I saw a group of ants in action and managed to capture it in the video below