Your Network, Your Rules: Why Owning Your Data Matters
We live in a wonderfully connected world, brimming with platforms designed to bring us closer. From social media hubs to specialized networking sites, there's an array of options, and it's great that many of them serve specific needs for so many people. Everyone has their own preferences, and finding what works best for you is always the priority.
However, for those of us who've peeked behind the digital curtain, especially with a background in tech and data privacy, a different philosophy often takes root: the profound importance of owning your connections.
Your Network, Your Asset, Your Rules
Think of your professional and personal network not just as a list of names, but as a meticulously cultivated garden. Every relationship nurtured, every contact added, is a precious seed planted. For me, the idea of having full ownership and long-term control over this garden is paramount. This is why I prefer to collect and manage my own first-party data. It means I gather and keep the information directly, giving me complete control over it. My CRM, for instance, holds thousands of contacts, and that database grows every week as new relationships blossom.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing no platform can suddenly decide to put a paywall in front of my own connections is invaluable. It’s like owning the deed to your house versus renting it. You call the shots.
The Shifting Sands of Third-Party Platforms
While third-party platforms like MyMostTrusted, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and yes, even specialized networking tools, offer convenience and reach, they come with an inherent risk. We've all seen it happen. Access can change without notice. Terms of service can be updated, new fees introduced, visibility limited, or, in the worst-case scenario, accounts suspended. Imagine working tirelessly to build a robust network on a platform, only to wake up one day and find your access restricted, or worse, gone.
It's a bit like having a landlord who can change the locks on your apartment, raise the rent dramatically, or even evict you without much warning, all while your most valuable possessions are inside. When your contacts are tied solely to a platform you don't own, you're always playing by someone else's rules.
Unrestricted Freedom: Taking Your Data With You
One of the greatest benefits of owning your first-party data is the freedom to move. If I ever decide to switch CRM systems, I simply pack up all my data and take it with me. No restrictions, no surprises, no hoops to jump through. It's a smooth transition because the data belongs to me, not the software provider. This portability is a cornerstone of true digital independence. It ensures that the effort you invest in building relationships today continues to serve you well into the future, regardless of how technology or platforms evolve.
The Ultimate Peace of Mind
Ultimately, owning your data removes the risk of being held hostage by changing platform policies or unforeseen access issues. It's about securing your most valuable asset: your network. That sense of long-term control, knowing that your hard-earned connections are genuinely yours, provides an incredible amount of peace of mind in an increasingly unpredictable digital landscape. It’s about building a legacy of relationships on a foundation you truly own.
Want to learn more about how to take control of your data and build a robust, independent network? Let's chat.
email [email protected]
