Your network, your circle of connection, is a beautiful gift. Wouldn't it be a shame if you didn't ever unwrap it?
The wonderful thing about your network is that the people in it are willingly in connection with you. They want to help you!
Most people do. Healthy humans want to help each other. It feels good. With good reason: feel-good hormones like oxytocin (also released during sex) flood your body and you feel more empathy and generosity. Your self-esteem goes up. Your stress level goes down.
Being of service and participating in this positive energy exchange with a fellow being means a psychological and emotional win-win.
Bonus: When you ask for or provide help, you get to be creative about how you do so.
It's possible that someone will spontaneously offer help. If they do, accept graciously and gratefully. Do your best not to fend off their offer. I've had to really work on this one! I grew up learning that you don't ever impose, that you make your own way.
I've learned a new way. I've learned to accept help. When I do accept someone else's generosity, the pleasure shows on the other person's face. I have come to realize that I am also giving something to them.
So instead of resisting support, take a deep breath and take it in. This person wants to help.
If they don't offer spontaneously, ask! It's a little risky, I admit. Nobody runs toward potential rejection. Chances are, though, given they are voluntarily one of your connections, they're glad to offer assistance. They want to help you succeed.
As one of my mentors was fond of saying, don't rob them of their blessing!
The person you are connected with has a wealth of their own experience and expertise. They have a lot to teach you, if you're willing to learn. Their experience can save you a great deal of time, from filling you in on steps in a process to avoiding pitfalls.
Everyone in your circle of connection, your network, has their own connections and resources. When they offer to help, or you ask and they say yes, you instantly have access to those connections and resources.
This access potentially leads to all kinds of income opportunities:
Referrals to new customers
Reconnecting with previous customers
Giving you access to a whole new group of influencers
Joint ventures
New offering ideas
Increased confidence by virtue of having mentoring and support, which can lead to being bolder, opening new doors.
Even saving time can help you make money, by increasing your profit margin and getting you to income opportunities faster.
You can take this even further by setting up a more formal mentoring or coaching relationship. That way, you're both committed and the benefits go exponential!
With these benefits on both sides, how can you not leverage your network?
When you do reach out, be respectful of their expertise, their time, and their energy. This begins with making the most of your time together, being prepared and knowing what you want.
Being respectful also includes taking their advice. Select those you approach so that you're willing to listen and act on what they share. Use your own judgment, but at the very least, take their advice into consideration in what you decide to do. Nothing is more frustrating than when someone has taken the time to help and then been ignored. It undermines your connection.
Make the most of your network. It has the potential to be a dynamic and powerful part of your business and life.
If you work cooperatively with everyone in your network by helping each other in an ongoing way, you'll all gain immeasurably. With information, with access to resources and new connections, with saved time and more income, and perhaps most important, with the joy of being in positive contact with others.
Ursula Jorch, MSc, MEd, mentors entrepreneurs starting their businesses and seasoned entrepreneurs in transition to create the business of their dreams. Her coaching programs provide knowledge, support, clarity, inspiration, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs to empower you to reach your goals. Start with a free guide and other valuable info at http://www.WorkAlchemy.com.
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