If you’re looking for the fast-track to success, here’s a tip to make reaching your dreams quicker and smarter: Make a new connection every single day. This doesn’t have to be hard. Even for introverts like me.
Choose Your Method
First, select your medium. If you don’t care for face-to-face interaction, fear not. Neither do I! I much prefer email and texting. Social media and the Internet is your best friend here. Don’t feel like you have to be salesperson of the month in order to meet new people. Do what is comfortable and natural for you.
On the other hand, if you’re a total extrovert and like meeting new people then you’ve probably got this one whipped. Go do your thang!
Be Real
Making a new connection does not mean you have to increase your friend count by one person every day. It simply means that you reach out and say “hey” to someone that you might want to network with. Don’t be selfish and do it for what’s in it for you…look for mutual benefits between the two of you and highlight them. If you’re genuine in your intent, you can’t go wrong.
Playing Farmtown or Yo-ville on Facebook don’t count. The conversation and connection need to be meaningful and move you closer to reaching your goals. Be conscious of your interactions, even when you’re just being social around friends. Doors often open in unexpected places. ;)
Be Consistent
If you decide to join a group, whether it is an online social network or a local community club, be consistent. Show up. Be committed or don’t do it. If you find that you can’t keep up, evaluate your commitments and keep only the ones that are the most beneficial.
Regardless of how you choose to connect, always make a point to touch base with someone who can help you with your dream every day.
Every. Single. Day. Counts.
No skipping, no procrastinating, no free passes!
Here is short list of ideas to get you started:
- Post a meaningful comment on a blog you enjoy reading
- Email a magazine editor or web site owner and compliment their work
- Find a mentor, preferably someone who blogs or gives out information on topics relating to your field and subscribe to their work
- Accept friend requests. If you don’t know the person, reply and ask how they know you (don’t just randomly accept strangers).
- Make more friend requests. Be real about it.
- Subscribe to helpareporter.com, these people WANT to connect with you!
- Find an off-beat social network that’s not Facebook or LinkedIn that is tied into your niche
- Send a hand-written fan letter to someone you admire, but isn’t a celebrity
- Join a local club or service organization that ties into your community
Think of any more? Share them with us in the comments. I’d love to hear from you. :)
2 comments
gretchen
Sure is. It’s also comforting to be able to tap into that network when you need a hand. ;)
Marci
Back in my corporate America days, I went to a seminar where the speaker talked about this very subject. He talked about how we can gain all this head knowledge but without connections it is in vain. I am just starting to realize how important it is here in the blogging world.