I read a study a few days ago that aroused my interest. Every third entrepreneur feels lonely and therefore burnt out without achieving his goals. This can be about loneliness at work or in private life.
Many entrepreneurs get so engrossed in their business ideas that they work about 10-15 hours a day. Of course, this affects their privacy and relationships with relevant people. Then there are other entrepreneurs who have it tough in their private lives which requires a lot of energy from them. Energy that they could have spent on realizing their visions.
Something that many successful entrepreneurs tell me is how important their environment has been to their good results. Thanks to a good network, they were able to develop better products (be they goods or services), start interesting projects, get to know new friends and spread their ideas. In this article you can share some simple tips that can give you a business network worth gold.
Contents
1) Who are you?
In order for others to feel that you are an interesting person to get to know, you need to enjoy yourself. You need to be aware of your strengths and how you can help others in your environment. Remember that something natural to you is a great asset to someone else. Therefore, start by making a mental inventory of your own value. Here are some things that affect your mental capital:
- Support from family.
- Support from friends.
- Support from successful people in the business world.
- Good knowledge in English.
- Your personal strengths. (They will help you fulfill your vision.)
- Your weaknesses. (They help you get to know people in the same seat and this creates togetherness. Plus, you get to know people who help you overcome your weaknesses.)
- Computer.
- Phone.
- Access to Internet.
- Level of education (both theoretical and practical).
2) What is the purpose of your networking?
You need to create your vision of networking. What people would you like to know? Who are potential partners?
What characteristics do you want the people in your network to have? What is the perfect network in your opinion? How many new people do you want to get to know per week / month / year?
3) How do you want to network?
You need to network in a way that suits your personality otherwise you will not have the energy to get to know others.
Do things that you think are fun. For example, go to different events, chat with people you meet in your everyday life, thank you for more parties and mingle at these.
Do you find it difficult to come up with conversation topics? Read the headlines in the morning newspaper and pick up topics that interest you. Warning: do not address topics of religion or politics in the first place.
4) How long do you want to network?
You need to network daily but the question is how long you should spend on your networking.
Remember that successful network builders set aside some time and commitment to create new and maintain old contacts. How long to invest in your contacts is a choice that will suit you but you need to decide.
5) Who can learn to become a better networker?
To create better contacts, you need to learn and be inspired by people who are good at building relationships.
There are books and lectures in communication and networking that you can take part in. You need to acquire positive role models that tell you how they have done and that will help you get started. Remember to thank the people who help you with your contacts.
6) Start networking
Now it’s time for you to take the first step. In order to build relationships and become a good networker you need to practice.
Then you will have the opportunity to combine what you have learned from others with your practical experience. This is your chance to improve both your skills and confidence.
7) Organize your contacts
Your contacts are like a bank account that is opened by all your relationships. The value of your network account is affected by interactions between you and your contacts.
Therefore, organize your network so that you do not neglect or forget important contacts. Make sure you email each other, talk on the phone or meet regularly.
