Be it be in your small B2B networking groups or in your global networking experiences, there will always be “the group, “the clique”, the inner circle. The majority of people are social, they need to belong. More than just belonging though, the inner circle confers status, exclusivity, identity and the illusion of power.

“Make no doubt about it. Inner circles exist and we become all too aware of them the moment we start school and start socializing with our peers. This continues on after school, into our workplace, our place of worship, etc. Look at any social venue where there’s a consistent gathering and you’ll always find these types of inner circles. Nobody really acknowledges their existence but we all know it’s there.”

And if it is by virtue of your association with the inner group that you derive your identity, than you are sadly headed towards a dead end, unless , of course, you never rock the boat. If the criteria by which you achieved your status stays the same, you might coast in that protective bubble for a long time.

If on the other hand you start differing with your fellow members, or you have severe business setbacks that precludes spending as usual - if for any reason you gain their ire or displeasure, you will find yourself outside. What happens to your identity then?

“If there ever comes a point in time where you’re faced with this type of situation…, this will prove to be a pivotal crossroad in your life. Do you give up your individuality for the group or do you stick to your guns and get banished from the inner circle and face isolation, become an outsider, an outcast, and lose your social net?”
(Brian Kim)

Brian Kim, of BrianKim.net, goes on to explore the trap the “inner circle” actually represents. The link above will take you to an insightful discussion.