When you were growing up, did a parent, teacher, mentor, or someone you admire say to you “Show me your friends, and I will show you your future.”
Today is a great day to remember what you already know, listen to that wisdom, and apply it to your career or business. I am reminding you of this philosophy because the marketplace evolves. Both of us need to constantly sharpen our focus and our efforts to maintain what we have and get ahead. I have learned in my career that no matter how many skills I acquire or how much professional knowledge I learn, it’s the people I know like you and the colleagues I am connected with that make the difference. My network is my net worth.
A rising tide lifts all boats. I propose we optimize this savvy lesson to grow together.
And here is the next idea to move us forward. It comes from a recent business meeting where I was reminded of Dunbar’s Number by my colleague Dan Magill of ProActive Content. Dunbar’s Number is a theory stating that we can actively manage up to 150 meaningful relationships.
According to the Dunbar theory, the tightest circle has just five people – loved ones. Followed by successive layers of 15 good friends, 50 friends, 150 meaningful contacts, 500 acquaintances, and 1500 people you can recognize.
Who are your 150 meaningful contacts?
Whether you are in the employee/people business which I call eStrategies or you are in marketing and sales which I refer to as cStrategies, growing your network to 150 will build your net worth.
The idea of networking is exhilarating for extroverts and often overwhelming or downright frightening for introverts. You may not know this, but I am naturally an introvert. I have worked very hard over the years to “get over myself.” Early on in my career, I adopted the philosophy that “to sell is to serve, to serve is to love, and to love others is the highest effort I can provide to others.”
If the philosophy I adhere to doesn’t inspire you, below are some other inspirational quotes to consider. The bottom line is to adopt a mantra that is true for you and build your network. I say this because I want to encourage you. If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet, your world will change. Life changes for us when we change first.
Networking is not just about connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.
-Michele Jennae
Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.
-Brene Brown
Networking is a lot like nutrition and fitness: we know what to do, the hard part is making it a top priority.
-Herminia Ibarra
You can have everything in life you want if you just help enough other people get what they want.
-Zig Ziglar
The currency of real networking is not greed, but generosity.
-Keith Ferrazzi
What can I do for you now?
As your Trusted Advisor, my role is to assist you with attracting, attaining, and retaining business relationships. One way we do this together is by outfitting employees with branded jackets, hoodies or your favorite type of apparel so they can feel and demonstrate they are valued team members. Or we can partner on client acquisition and retention by giving them a promotional product that tells your brand story or thanks them for being a customer. Below are idea starters for ways we can partner and build your network to 150 meaningful contacts.
I love the idea of connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities. Don’t you? Whether your number of meaningful relationships is at 10, 50 or 100, let’s partner to increase your network. For yourself and others. You know what to do! Its time to make it a top priority. To get started you can reach me at 425.822.6651 or Janet@LastingImpressionsGifts.net
To your success,
P.S. To view a history of marketing strategy, business best practices, and inspirational idea starters, read our blog.
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“Advance Your Brand, Activate Your Employees and Add Customers for Life.” |