Why a Broader Base of Relationships is More Critical Than Ever

5 Steps to Grow a Stronger and More Meaningful Network 

If meeting new people can be a challenge for you, Covid certainly didn’t make things any easier. If you’re an essential worker then, yes, you’ve been in front of people (but behind a mask - not the easiest way to make new friends). Meanwhile, everyone else has spent the past year staring into a phone or laptop on a video chat. So, no matter who you are - or what role you play in the workforce - it’s safe to say that without “normal” face-to-face conversations, it’s been very hard to connect to new people. 

But…what if I told you that in 2020, stuck at home like many of you, I added more connections and made more new meaningful relationships then I had done in the previous 2 years combined. What if I told you that networking today, in some ways, may be easier and more productive than ever.  For starters, many of us likely lost a nasty commute into the office that tied up hours of time. Next, without travel, we’ve been home all day and possibly a little easier to catch. But I think the bigger reason is that people are open - now more than ever - to establishing meaningful connections. Being stuck in your house for a year will do that to you. 

In addition, when we throw in the stress we’ve all been feeling with the political climate, and so many other key societal challenges, an absence of normalcy has simply taken a toll. In light of these challenges, now more than ever we’re all craving meaningful human contact and positive interactions. But the broader question I’ve yet to address still exists - Should I really focus on expanding my network right now, or just “double down” on the relationships I already have?  My answer - do both! 

Like many others, earlier in my career I approached my network as something to build so that it could later be leveraged. If we’re honest with ourselves, we’ve probably all done the same. But what if we thought about and approached our networking efforts through a different lens?  What if we grew our network with the intention of benefiting others? What if the first thing that went through our heads before we sent or accepted an invitation on LinkedIn was this: “Given my experience, connections, and knowledge, how can I help this person?”

Bottom line, your network may be the key to someone else finding a new job. Your new connection may end up being the new customer to someone you’ve been working with for years. Perhaps you’ll connect two people who will form a partnership that launches an amazing non-profit. So yes, double down with those people you already know and are connected to - but don’t miss the opportunity to increase your footprint of relationships. By doing so, you’re going to connect people and opportunities, and I promise you, the results will be amazing.   

Ok…, so let’s envision that you’ve decided (hopefully decided) now to build a bigger network, broaden your influence, impact lives, save the planet or maybe just meet some very cool people that are different than you. Here’s how:

1. Challenge Yourself to Continually Grow Your Base of Connections.  It obviously begins here, but you need to have a goal and a plan - one new person every day, or one every week, or one every month – it really doesn’t matter, but be intentional. The easiest way to begin is to connect to new people through your existing connections. I often ask this question at the end of a meeting - Who do you know that you think I should know? And then I also ask - Who would be an important connection for you that I might be able to help you with?

2. Build Your Relationships on Authenticity.  Ideally, relationships are mutually beneficial. But what if you don’t really have value to offer (not true - you always have value to offer)? If you’re interested in connecting with someone, write a little note in the invitation and simply explain why you want to connect – and be honest.  In contrast, if you invite someone to connect, and then immediately follow-up their acceptance with sales pitch, that’s not authentic. And it’s ok to want to connect to people that might be able to help you…just be straight forward. “David, Hello, you don’t know me, but I am a friend of…….and I was hoping you could help me with…..”

3. Be a Force of Encouragement.  I shock myself sometimes with the people that I’ve been able to connect with. Often, it begins with a compliment - it’s genuine, and it’s easy. I notice when people get promoted, change jobs, launch a business, secure funding, or do something of significance (perhaps not to me, but to them). I love to compliment and encourage. Often, this simple act of kindness opens the door to a new and amazing relationship. And even if it doesn’t, I’m still excited to have had the chance to build someone else up!  The simple truth is that we have enough negativity on social media already, and you can help to change that. 

4. Focus Where You’re Passionate.  If you’re passionate about sustainability, seek out people in this space. Start following them, commenting on their work, paying attention to their progress. Or maybe you’re passionate about technology and start-ups - then start paying attention to the trends, and the players. Follow, invite, support, comment – just get engaged. Expand your network into places that matter to you. It’s not about knowing the “power brokers;” it’s about where you have interest, and where you can impact and influence. 

5. Utilize Commonality. This is simple, but so many people miss it - colleges, previous companies, geography, interests, etc. Look first to connect to people with whom you have something in common. “Hey, you’re in the space, I’m in the space, some day we may be able to help one another - I’d love to be connected!”  

It’s not that hard to grow your network, but it does take some focus, a plan, a little courage and a sincere interest in meeting and hopefully helping new people. And if this article does inspire you in some way to grow your network, and you’d like to connect with me, then feel free to send an invitation, and follow me as well. Just be sure that your invitation has a little note included :)