Building “communities of trust’ is critical to managing the exponential growth of virtual networks. As social mediums continue to proliferate, people are forming clusters, hubs and global associations, primarily for professional purposes. To instill quality relationships in these social groups, RNIA’s CBOK (Common body of Knowledge) creates commonality in networking.

The foundational CBOK Values help foster the trust frequently missing on the public networking sites, where participants frequently accumulate large lists of ‘friends’ who they hardly know. Online relationships usually begin with access to minimal information about a person. This equates with risk, uncertainty and lack of trust until the relationship finds sufficient “’common ground” on which to build.

The adoption of CBOK’s ‘rules of engagement’ provides a mutual meeting ground. Having an agreement about the CBOK Value of Accountability, for instance, can help build closer, stronger relationships. CBOK also has established ground rules for making and keeping commitments, forming the foundation for building RC (Relationship Capital).

CBOK’s principles and practices are more than just enablers–they are critical in forging healthy relationships. The benchmark standards included in CBOK also serve as great discussion topics, serving as the basis for continuous learning. Put it all together and It adds up to a dynamic RC community of trust that transcends any particular site, a community in which trust is instilled one relationship at a time.