Do you have a network that you can utilize to help you get from A to B? If you have an online network, but it is one that is mostly just for show, it is time to rethink your online networking strategy. In fact, while you are at it, rethink your whole networking strategy, both offline and online. I can’t stress enough how important it is to talk to people and find out who they know that you may need to know. It could be for a job position, for a joint venture in your business, or maybe just to get a good price on a set of golf clubs. Whatever it is you are trying to get, utilizing your network is absolutely key.
Who Do You Know? Who Do You Want To Know?
There is that old saying, “It’s not what you know, it is who you know.” This is great information. I think that it is evolving into, “who do you want to know?” Why do I think this is important? Well, in order to be successful at anything, you must find inspiration and a successful model in which you then follow. You may not follow it exactly, but watching their behavior, how they act, etc. gives you an insight into what you can do to better yourself and your business.
Now, when I say who do you want to know, I want you to think of any celebrity, Vice President of a corporation, anyone in the world, that you think you would like to meet and get to know. You may read this and think it is a little crazy, how would you be able to meet a celebrity figure, someone with a lot of power, or a billionaire. By imagining yourself meeting with that person, whoever it may be, you are training your mind to think differently. You are telling yourself that, yes, you can meet with them- they would be interested in talking with you, and it is absolutely possible. Why? Networking.
Six Degrees of Separation
LinkedIn is a great example of seeing how your network can expand and grow exponentially. You can see your contacts, see who they know, and as you click on a profile of someone they are connected to, you see even more contacts. Online social networking has taken the intimidation factor out of talking to new people. You are in the comfort of your home, or maybe you are connecting from your phone, but wherever you are connecting from, you have a barrier in that you are sending words, which for some reason tends to feel more secure.
One of the ways that I have been able to make things happen for myself is by forcing myself into an uncomfortable situation. In other words, it feels like my back is up against a wall, and if I don’t succeed in talking with this person, then I won’t complete my goal. This puts me into a survival mode, where I tend to stop thinking so much and start acting on things. I have done this a number of different times, and each has led to a lasting and continuing relationship in which I continue to learn and get advice from them.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone and Network!
Bottom line is this: networking, socializing, whatever you want to call it, can be intimidating for a lot of people. Yet, if you are passionate about your niche, are interested in helping people and being helped, and are working towards a cause bigger than you, bigger than your company, then you owe it to yourself to network. Who knows who you will meet. Once you break that barrier and start talking, it usually goes pretty well. Give it a shot and leave your feedback and comments below!
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