Your Network Is Your Tribe

"Find your tribe" is a catchphrase or slogan we often hear. We're sure you've seen at least one t-shirt or tote bag with this famous line printed. However, it's more than just a catchphrase. Finding your tribe is vital in life, as well as in business. A tribe is an essential part of both networking and friendships.

Traditionally, a tribe was defined as "a social group composed chiefly of numerous families, clans, or generations having a shared ancestry and language." While today's modern meaning has evolved from this definition, the essence remains the same. A tribe is a group of people who share something in common, support each other through different situations, and provide you with a sense of community and belonging.

Putting effort into networking and friendships is part of finding your tribe. Networking in business includes adding contacts to your business network. However, more than just adding contacts, networking means creating connections with people in your business network. The value of a network is not just in its size but in how deep your relationships are.

The same goes for friendships. While you may think that your friends have nothing to do with your professional life, think again. Friends can introduce you to people who can help you in business or are relevant in your industry. It goes without saying that it should be mutual. You should also bring value to your friends and the contacts they introduce you to.

Here are some helpful ways to build your network and tribe and bring networking and friendships together.

1)???Approach friends and professional contacts and ask them to introduce you to other people

Networking and friendships can go hand in hand. Ask your friends and contacts if they know anyone in the specific space you are interested in. For example, if you provide graphic design services, you can ask them to introduce you to friends who might need these types of services.

Face-to-face or personal introductions via email still have more value than cold calls or emails. You are more likely to get a positive response if you are introduced to someone through a common friend or contact. Imagine if most of your friends' friends become part of your tribe. That would significantly increase the support you receive and, of course, vice versa.

2)???Maintain relationships with your mentors

Some people may think there comes a point in their career or professional life that they outgrow the need for a mentor. Maybe they are now in a higher management position than the first-ever mentor they encountered. There's a tendency for people to think that mentors are needed only when they're starting a career.

"The truth is, you never outgrow the need for mentors. You have to be humble enough to seek the wisdom around you throughout your life and career. And you need to be willing to listen, even when what's being said may be hard to hear," said Dawn Zier, CEO and Board Director of Nutrisystem, in a LinkedIn post.

Maintaining your relationships with past and current mentors helps you build your tribe. A mentor is a valuable part of your tribe that can support and guide you navigate the business world.

3)???Be open to talking to everyone, everywhere, anytime

Start practising by talking more to people you consistently see, such as neighbours or those that work with you but don't spend much time with regularly. Once you are more comfortable conversing with them, expand your circle and start talking to new people anywhere you might be. While this can be hard for introverts, the ability to speak to anyone anywhere can improve with practice.

If your usual self sticks to only talking to the people you know, this time, make it a point to strike up a conversation with everyone you encounter that day. For example, you're attending a seminar. Be genuinely interested in what they do and ask about their business and how it's doing. Try to make genuine connections, even if you just met them. You never know what kind of relationship can come from this interaction.

4)???Keep communication lines consistent and open

Once you have made a new connection, maintain this connection. This is how networking and friendships can help build your tribe. Keep in touch with people you meet because you never know how you'll be able to help each other in the future. Both professional contacts and friendships can wither if you don't care for them.

Maintaining these relationships should be a priority. Don't connect with someone and then forget about them. Reach out regularly and try to deepen the relationship.

5)???Be authentic

Again, networking and friendships are all about building genuine connections. You must be yourself if you want your network to be your tribe. There are instances when people try too hard to fit into the wrong tribe, and it becomes more of a negative experience than one that will actually help them. Does this sound familiar?

If it does, it's time to change your mindset.

While it's good to have aspirations, don't force yourself to be part of a group or tribe that doesn't fit your needs. Don't join a tribe to be part of any tribe or to be "in" with people you think are successful or look up to. Find like-minded friends and contacts so you can start authentic relationships.

6)???Don't give up

Finding your tribe, or creating your tribe, won't happen overnight. You may have to meet many people, even try out other tribes, before you find your tribe. Networking and friendships take work. They both require time and effort. You must be willing to invest the time and effort to try again and again.

Maybe you've gone to a few networking events and didn't find anyone with whom you truly connected or who gave you new business. That's fine. You simply need to try again. Like with life, you won't get along with everyone you meet. Don't expect to find your tribe instantly.

7)???Be in it for the long haul

Networking and friendships are about building true connections and real relationships. It's not about forced referrals or instant business partners. It's also about nurturing these relationships. You can't expect to keep connecting to people mindlessly and expect these connections to flourish instantly.

You must grow these relationships to ensure that they become win-win situations for both parties and you become part of each other's tribe. Think of it as a long-term investment. You may not reap any benefits in a few weeks or months, but continue to maintain the relationships, and you'll see results in due time.

Finding your tribe is not easy, but it is worth it. Having a place of belonging and a sense of community is vital to your life, whether your personal or professional life. Imagine if you run into a problem in your career. A tribe can help you overcome it and emerge from this challenge.

Networking and friendships can go hand in hand. This means finding your tribe and a trusted group of people you can rely on for support, referrals, partnerships, and more. The right tribe can help you achieve success, improve your bottom line, and ultimately lead a happy and healthy life.

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