In today’s interconnected world, having a strong network of connections is more important than ever. Our careers, businesses, and even personal lives are shaped by the people we know and the relationships we form. But why exactly are connections so valuable? Here are some key reasons:
Access to Information and Opportunities
Our connections are pipelines to information and opportunities. They can let us know about job openings, investment prospects, and more before anyone else. Strong networks tap us into the “hidden job market” – jobs that are not advertised publicly. Referrals from people we know also carry more weight than blind applications. According to research, 85% of jobs are filled through networking.
Career Development and Growth
Our colleagues and contacts are invaluable sources of career advice and mentoring. They can provide insider tips, make introductions, and coach us through big career moves. Associating with well-connected, successful people also raises our own profile and visibility. In business, connecting with influencers and industry leaders gives us access to valuable knowledge.
Personal Support System
Connections provide moral support and encouragement through the ups and downs of life. Friends we can call on in times of need are invaluable. Research shows that people with broader social networks live longer, healthier lives. Loneliness and isolation have been linked to poorer mental and physical wellbeing. Human beings are wired to be social creatures.
Collaborations and Win-Win Outcomes
Teamwork makes the dream work. Connecting with the right people allows us to collaborate on projects that benefit all parties. Our weaknesses are offset by the strengths of people we work with. Great innovations and milestones are rarely accomplished alone. As the saying goes, if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
Personal Development
Interacting with different types of people expands our horizons. It exposes us to new perspectives, cultures, lifestyles, challenges, and ideas. This stretches our thinking and helps us grow. Conversations with people from diverse backgrounds helps overcome prejudices and preconceived notions as well.
Helping Others
Leveraging our network to make introductions or assist others is deeply gratifying. Giving time and energy to mentor someone just starting out fosters human bonds. The act of helping others also builds goodwill. What goes around comes around. Making connections is not a zero-sum game – there are always win-win scenarios where we can add value for others as well.
How to Build Strong Connections
Be Authentic and Positive
The surest way to build fulfilling, long-term connections is to be genuine. People are drawn to those with a positive, optimistic spirit. Sincerity and honesty will take us far. If our motive is purely selfish gain and we come across as manipulative, people will read through it quickly. Focus on cultivating character and developing interest in others. The rest will follow.
Add Value for Others
Connections should be mutually beneficial. When we encounter someone, think about how we can be helpful to them. Introduce people in our network to one another. Share an interesting article or business insight. Make the relationship about their needs as much as ours. If we only reach out when we need something, people will be less eager to connect again.
Share Common Interests and Values
The strongest ties are formed around shared passions, causes, and values. That common ground establishes the foundation. From there, differences can be worked with. Volunteering for an organization we care about exposes us to like-minded people. Joining professional associations and alumni groups is another avenue. Figure out what lights us up, pursue it, and connections will happen organically.
Invest Time and Energy
Relationships require an investment of time to flourish. While social media has made connecting easy, nothing beats face-to-face quality time. Make an effort to meet consistently, even as life gets busy. Set reminders to keep in touch and follow up. Show consistent interest in the other person over the long run.
Practice Generosity Without Expectation
The most rewarding connections are built on genuine generosity and concern for the other person. Practice kindness and compassion without expecting anything in return. Truly listen and be present. Happiness comes from giving rather than having. If we live by this mantra and seek to serve others, our lives will be rich indeed.
Communicate Openly and Honestly
Communication is the lifeline of all relationships. Healthy connections are grounded in open, respectful, and honest communication. Speak truthfully and be dependable. Have the courage and grace to address problems early before they fester. Accept responsibility for misunderstandings quickly. Communicate consistently, not just when it’s convenient for us.
Nurturing and Sustaining Connections
Connections require ongoing nurturing. Here are some tips to keep relationships strong:
Make Time for In-Person Meetups
Despite our busy schedules, prioritize real face time with important connections. Video chat is great, but doesn’t replace the power of meeting in person. Catch up over coffee or meals regularly. The human touch builds bonds. Share laughs, ideas, and experiences – not just work talk.
Remember Important Occasions
Mark birthdays, promotions, anniversaries and other milestones for connections. Send a text, card or gift to show we care. This makes people feel valued and appreciated. Follow up on major events in their lives. Show interest in the lives of their loved ones as well.
Extend Invitations Proactively
Don’t always wait to be invited for meetups. Take the initiative to extend invitations proactively. Introduce connections to others in our network that may hit it off. Expand gatherings beyond one-on-one meetups. Bring people together and build a sense of community.
Share Value without Expectation
Continue to share knowledge, ideas and opportunities with connections without strings attached or expectation of reward. Don’t keep score. Give generously. Help promote the work of people in our network. Be their champion behind the scenes.
Maintain Regular Contact
Out of sight is out of mind. Consistent contact every few weeks or months keeps connections alive. But stay sensitive to other’s preferences. Short check-ins show we care without becoming invasive. A simple “How have you been? Thinking of you!” text goes a long way.
Brush Up on Important Details
Note important events and details about connections such as birthdays, kid’s names, major projects, etc. Follow up on these to show we pay attention. Ask insightful questions to learn more. Reference past conversations to demonstrate genuine interest.
Allow Each Connection to Evolve Naturally
Some connections will grow very close over time, others will fade. Don’t force interactions that no longer occur organically. Accept and appreciate each connection for what it is meant to be. Let go with grace if life pulls people in different directions.
Connecting in the Digital Age
While online networking cannot replace in-person interactions, digital platforms have opened up new connection possibilities. Here are tips to connect effectively online:
Craft Your Online Profile
Our profiles on networking platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook shape how others see us. Ensure profiles are professional and consistent across networks. Highlight skills, experience, interests and personality. Profiles open doors to new connections.
Expand Circles and Follow Influencers
Follow industry leaders, companies and influencers on social networks to learn from their content. Comment on their posts and share your perspective. Follow friends of your connections. This expands your visibility and surfaces new kindred spirits.
Engage Personally in Groups
Join relevant social media groups and forums to connect around shared interests. But avoid using groups only for self-promotion. Share advice and insights. Comment meaningfully on member posts to provide value. Groups foster great professional connections.
Thank Connections for Online Shares and Mentions
When people share our content or mention us online, be sure to thank them publicly. This positive reinforcement motivates them to engage with us more. It also signals to their network that we’re connected.
Enable Notifications and Pay Attention
Turn on notifications from LinkedIn, Facebook, and other sites. This lets us respond promptly when connections interact with our content or mention us. Quick responses make people feel valued, not ignored.
Overcoming Networking Challenges
Networking can feel challenging. But the rewards are worth pushing past discomfort. Here are tips for common networking roadblocks:
If You Dislike Small Talk – Ask Good Questions
For people who dislike superficial small talk, steer conversations with thoughtful questions. Avoid generic topics. Ask about people’s interests, views, and goals. Listen deeply. Show your authentic self. Thoughtful exchanges build stronger rapport.
If You’re Introverted – Set a Goal per Event
As an introvert, avoid trying to meet everyone at events. Set a goal like having meaningful conversations with 2-3 kindred spirits. Approach those who seem open and interested. Listen more than talk. Connect quality over quantity. Follow up to continue dialogs.
If You Feel Insecure – Focus on Providing Value
Shift focus from self-consciousness to adding value. Identify ways you can be helpful, share a resource or make an introduction. Generosity and service reduce insecurity. And confidence in our own worth is the best magnet.
If You Compete with Peers – Adopt Abundance Mindset
Viewing peers as competitors breeds jealousy and limits possibilities. Instead adopt an abundance mindset. Success is not finite. There is plenty to go around so be generous and collaborate. Each person has unique value to contribute.
If You Feel Overwhelmed – Connect in Phases
Don’t take on too many coffee dates and events at once. Phases allow introverts to recharge. Connect consistently in focused phases. Schedule breaks in between to reflect and re-energize. Quality trumps quantity when nurturing connections.
If You Hesitate to Follow Up – Commit before Parting
Many people fail to follow up after connecting. Before wrapping up exchanges, agree on the next step. Set the expectation to connect again. Follow through on the timeline promised to build trust. Consistency in small ways leads to deeper bonds.
Conclusion
Human beings are hardwired for connection. While modern life has made connecting easier than ever, nurturing meaningful relationships remains an art. Pay attention to the quality of connections. Invest time and energy into each one. Add value for others, practice generosity, and communicate openly. Cherish the people in your life. Our purpose and joy is profoundly intertwined with our web of connections. What we give, we receive back manifold.