How can you leverage your personal network to overcome obstacles?

1 Identify your network

Your personal network is not just your friends and family, but also your colleagues, mentors, clients, alumni, and anyone else who has a positive connection with you. To identify your network, start by making a list of the people you interact with regularly, and then expand it by adding those who you have met through referrals, events, social media, or other channels. Think about the value and diversity of your network: what skills, knowledge, experiences, and perspectives do they offer?

2 Reach out for help

Once you have identified your network, don't be afraid to reach out for help when you face an obstacle. Whether you need advice, feedback, referrals, resources, or emotional support, your network can provide valuable insights and solutions that you might not find on your own. However, be respectful and strategic when you ask for help: be clear about your goal, your challenge, and what kind of help you need. Also, be mindful of the time and availability of your network, and don't expect them to solve your problem for you.

4 Expand your network

Another way to leverage your personal network is to expand it by connecting with new people who can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. You can do this by asking your existing network for introductions, attending events, joining communities, or reaching out to people who share your interests or aspirations. When you expand your network, be respectful, curious, and authentic: don't approach people with a hidden agenda or a sales pitch, but with a genuine interest in learning from them and building a rapport.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?