Your network must help you anticipate and keep pace with changes in your business, industry and domain. In fact, it should help you evolve as the world evolves around you.
This is only possible when your network is strategic, and when you are actively engaged.
Many of us have networks - but they are neither strategic nor engaged. The hallmark of a strategic network is that it helps you see farther and scan wider. It helps you see the future and prepare for it. This may be developments in your industry, cutting edge knowledge, emerging requirements and anything else that might take you by surprise in the future - if you hadn't been actively looking ahead.
Having a network is only as valuable as far as you and other members are engaged. I have previously written about how to keep your network engaged, so I won't repeat it here. However, when it comes to strategic networks, to get maximum value, you need to go beyond simply staying in touch, or forwarding articles, or introducing people to each other.
The key idea here is that you need to be actively collaborating and creating - not passively consuming information. Three ideas to help you get started:
Create a LinkedIn group around the niche that is of interest to you. Invite existing network members (where appropriate) to join, and also invite people from your professional communities. Curate and share information, and at the same time be actively engaged in conversations with other members.
Be a connector of people who are interested in this area - matching people according to their interests and needs. Help people find collaborators, match people to jobs, introduce people who would benefit from knowing each other but wouldn't ordinarily make connection themselves.
Get involved with a start-up in your domain, or a domain you are interested in. Depending on your experience, finances, and the time you can spare, your involvement could be as a curious and sympathetic supporter, as an intern learning the ropes, as an advisor or mentor, as a co-founder, or as an investor. Your existing network might be able to help you get connected with founders, venture capitalists or other people in the start-up ecosystem
There are any number of other ways in which you can engage actively, and be involved as a creator, rather than as a passive consumer. Pick what works for you, and you will find that your strategic network is yielding dividends beyond your expectations.