You want to build a network of advocates and supporters. How can you use Mindfulness to achieve this?

1 Identify your goals

Before you reach out to anyone, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from your network. Do you want to learn new skills, find new opportunities, get feedback, or expand your horizons? Having a specific and realistic goal will help you narrow down your target audience, tailor your message, and measure your progress. Mindfulness can help you identify your goals by allowing you to reflect on your values, strengths, and needs.

2 Research your prospects

Once you have your goal in mind, you need to find out who can help you achieve it. You can start with your existing contacts, such as colleagues, friends, mentors, or alumni. You can also look for potential contacts on social media, online platforms, or events related to your field or interest. Mindfulness can help you research your prospects by enabling you to be curious and open-minded, and to avoid judging or stereotyping people based on their appearance, background, or status.

3 Reach out with respect

When you contact someone for the first time, you want to make a good impression and establish rapport. You can do this by showing respect, gratitude, and interest in them. You can also mention how you found them, what you have in common, and what value you can offer them. Mindfulness can help you reach out with respect by helping you to be present, attentive, and respectful in your communication, and to avoid distractions, interruptions, or assumptions.

4 Follow up with care

After you make the initial contact, you need to follow up with them to build trust and credibility. You can do this by thanking them for their time, providing feedback, sharing relevant information, or offering help. You can also ask for their permission to stay in touch, and suggest a frequency and mode of communication that works for both of you. Mindfulness can help you follow up with care by encouraging you to be compassionate, empathetic, and supportive in your interactions, and to respect their boundaries, preferences, and needs.

5 Nurture your relationships

The key to maintaining a network of advocates and supporters is to nurture your relationships over time. You can do this by staying in touch regularly, providing value, asking for feedback, giving recognition, and seeking opportunities to collaborate. You can also show appreciation, celebrate achievements, and share challenges with your network. Mindfulness can help you nurture your relationships by fostering a growth mindset, a positive attitude, and a sense of gratitude.

6 Expand your network

Finally, you can expand your network by connecting with new people who share your goals, values, or interests. You can do this by attending events, joining groups, or asking for introductions from your existing network. You can also leverage your online presence, such as your blog, portfolio, or social media profiles, to showcase your work and attract attention. Mindfulness can help you expand your network by boosting your confidence, creativity, and curiosity.