Network Principles

Symbiotic Culture is a discovery (not an invention) about how symbiosis works in network formation in the natural world and practiced for many thousands of years by traditional peoples the world over. At root, symbiotic networks enhance a community network and system that extends from families, neighborhoods, to a sense of "belonging" through deeper personal and community relationships rather than artificial, transactional networks.

Symbiotic means mutuality, in the sense we are using it, and we have learned how to apply this felt sense of mutuality to conscious network formation in communities. Practicing symbiotic culture in community means intentional actions reflecting the fact that we are all connected: practicing intentional mutual benefit.

The basic idea, is that there are the Strong Ties or “bonding connections” that bind us to our family, friends, kin and close business networks. Then, there are Weak Ties, that take you beyond your familiar and comfortable tribe. Turns out, it is the Weak Ties, your acquaintances, not your Strong Ties, that help establish “bridging connections” to other networks you currently don’t have access to.

Bridging connections release hidden assets in a community by consciously weaving “bridging” connections amongst people and organizations. Bridging connections are ones that take us beyond our own familiar personal and business networks.

Bridging connections are the daily connections you could make outside of your family and friends; with neighbors you don’t know; with the barista at your favorite coffee shop; your hairdresser; and others. You can practice Symbiotic Culture in the way you make these daily connections, whether it’s doing one-to-one connections or larger, more intentional network building. It’s not about “what I can get”, it’s about “what I can give.”

ECOSYSTEM BUILDING

From Ego-To Eco-System

Symbiotic Networks take you beyond your familiar and comfortable tribe. (Ego-System) They are built through Weak Ties, your acquaintances, not your Strong Ties, connections that your ego has already identified with.

Open an Ecosystem Bridge

Weak Ties are key people who open bridges between siloed networks. A two-way channel of information flow now is established, e.g. between local farmers and restauranteurs.

Ecosystem Buildout

As more bridges open between networks, new connections accelerate, for example increasing the number of farm to table programs in your bioregion. It's a two-way flow, sharing:Information - CapitalSales - Supply ChainDonations - Volunteers