Networking isn’t limited to multi-level marketing. Networking is one of the most effective ways to be seen and build a reputation. We need to get out of the pervasive narrative that “ the right people will show up at the right time.” Instead, network and attract the right people all of the time.
When done right, networking opens up a new world of possibilities, and in the process, broadens the reach of your horizon. Kickstart your network expansion the right way through these best practices.
1. Select the people you surround yourself with.
Engaging in healthy conversations with individuals with the same wavelength improves cognitive behavior. The more you engage with people who have the same interests and passion, the more you inspire yourself to do more, be more, and become more. The only way to advance yourself personally and professionally is to surround yourself with people that nourish the passion you have.
2. Be open-minded. Nourish and then deconstruct.
If you don’t consider the opposing side, your views and ideas become stagnant. Embrace growth and maturation. To mature you have to nourish and then deconstruct your personal views. Talking to people with the same interests may nourish your views, but it also takes away the opposition your opinion needs for you to mature.
Learn to deconstruct by talking to people who oppose your perspective. The purpose here is to expand your knowledgebase and to build mutual trust with respected peers. This will not only make your opinion well-rounded, you consequently make your presence known in other circles. As your opinion grows, so will your credibility. In the long-run this will make you an information source, which in turn further broadens the reach of your network.
3. Be a Listener
Listening nurtures every relationship. You don’t learn by talking. You learn by listening.
Expand your network. Meeting more people is tantamount to meeting the right people that will grow you, personally and professionally.
