Are you someone who has a network of supportive allies or advisers who you exchange ideas with and who helps you grow your business? Perhaps you work as a Solopreneur and make many of your decisions on your own.

Depending on your personality type, you’ll have a different perspective on the engagement with others in your life and business. The one thing we can all agree on is the importance of others in our lives and in our businesses.

Connection as Support

In my own life, good people have shown up when I’ve taken action to achieve something. Some years ago, when I fought an injustice, fantastic lawyers worked tirelessly on my behalf. What’s more, they worked for no fee. Whenever we get into the arena and fight for what we believe in, others will join us, but we must trust the process. If we wait for help before taking action, it is unlikely to happen.

In business, I often find coaching clients who have been struggling but who have been afraid to ask for help. When questioned, they will often own up to believing asking for support is a sign of weakness, an admission of failure.

Connection for Growth

I’m going to assume all of you serve people as the most powerful form of connection is when we reach out to serve someone, when we seek to effect positive change.

There has never been an easier time to find people you want to mix with. Online, there are forums, membership sites and, of course, a plethora of social media platforms.

Because of the pandemic, many of us have adapted to a virtual world of work, but I don’t subscribe to the view that people will choose to remain in a virtual world. Some will, but human beings are largely a gregarious species thriving on human contact. Business or common interest groups will meet up. Some may be hybrid models, but networking will return.

Networking

Successful networking depends on your attitude. If it is all about meeting people who will benefit you, you will come across as needy and even desperate. Why not decide you want to help build your community? Turn it on its head and see what you can do for others.

Be confident in the knowledge you are an expert in your field and act like one. Firm handshakes and eye contact should be easy when you adopt a stance of interest in the other.

Will Kintish is a leading authority on networking. Will believes there are 10 keywords to become an effective networker.

When all the above are executed, you can’t fail. If that sounds simple, it’s because it is.

Last, when you think of connection as coming from a place of service, an attitude of contribution, it becomes fun and you’ll do it naturally. Surprise, surprise, you’ll get back more than you put in.