Your network and the ability you have to communicate with them will make or break your success. Expanding your network to bigger and broader horizons will in turn increase your knowledge and opportunity to grow. The more people you connect with, the more collaborations you can have, the more knowledge you can gain, the more bonds you will form, and the more success you will have. Most people start off with a small circle of people they may consider their “network”, but expanding that circle will result in success beyond their wildest dreams. There are literally endless ways to network and meet new people, but first you need to get over any social fear that may be holding you back.
Letting go of fear
As we have talked about in the past on our blog, fear is a major obstacle that can hold us back if we let it. However, if used properly it can be a powerful tool at our disposal. The very best way to get over fear is to pursue something that makes you both excited and scared. Most of the time, you will find that this fear was unwarranted and that by following through on whatever made you excited and fearful resulted in major success. This applies very much to networking. For example’s sake, say you were interested in real estate and there was a local meetup near you with other agents, lenders, investors, etc. This will probably make you feel excited that there is a group of people that have similar interests to you, however there may be some doubts and fears lingering in your head. Questions such as, “What can I provide to them that is nearly as valuable as what they can provide to me?” “What if they don’t like me and I’m not welcome?”, and any other thought that may pop up. These doubts and fears are human nature, and the best way to combat them is to face them head on rather than run from them. If you fear not having value to add to the group, make sure you are well-versed in the topic that your group covers before you go so you are able to add insight to conversations whenever possible. If you are worried others may not like you, just be your genuine self, listen to and engage with others, and try to add value to the meeting as a whole the best you can. There is a way to silence any objection you may have in your head whenever doubt or fear start to pop up. Control your thoughts and never let them control you.
Joining Networking groups
Networking groups are the very best thing you can do to expand your relationship base with the people you are most interested in being in contact with. There is likely a group that meets locally for whatever it is you want to meet and talk about. If there isn’t, start one and post about it on social media! People are sure to be interested in meeting, but it may be up to you to take the initiative to start it up. This helps to shape your public perception as a leader, and already establishes you at the center of everyone else’s network that joins your group. Meetups can be in person or virtual, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that everyone is contributing knowledge, helping one another resolve their issues, giving people referrals, and assisting in each other’s growth. No matter the format, networking groups and meetings are one of if not the best ways to expand your network.
the power of social media
In 2021 with the technology we have, it is possible to connect with more people than ever before via social media, especially Facebook. Facebook is so unique and amazing for networking due to its “groups” feature. When you join a group, rules and guidelines are established by the creators, as well as what the group is all about. There is a Facebook group out there for literally anything you can think of, and if there isn’t it is simple and easy to create one. There are sure to be others who are interested in whatever it is that you want to start up. Groups provide constant contact with your network so you can stay in touch with close contacts, and get questions answered by your community usually within minutes. If you aren’t taking advantage of this powerful tool, you are doing yourself a huge disservice.
be a leader
Be at the head of the pack and the one everyone is looking up to. Start your own networking groups and Facebook groups based on your passions and interests. If you make a valiant effort to grow these networks, you are sure to gain a following of people who are interested in connecting with you and your group. Being viewed as a leader of a community is extremely helpful because it is likely that you will be able to connect directly with many of the members of the community you create. You also have the responsibility of holding the group together and keeping everyone accountable to the rules and standards set forward at the formation of your group. This ensures you are respected and a person of your word which in turn builds your leadership skills and abilities.
Open doors for yourself
There is no reason to have difficulty making new contacts in the 21st century. With all of the technologies we have at our disposal, it has never been easier to start or be part of an in-person or online networking group. Leverage your fear to guide you towards success and stop making excuses for not pursuing your passions and connecting with people. Once you start, it only gets easier and more rewarding!