Add To Your Network

When I refer to your “network”, I’m talking about the people that you spend the most time with that also add the most “value” to your life. NOT all your friends on Facebook or all the acquaintances you have at work. I’m talking about the people who know the REAL you, and aren’t afraid to give you critical feedback when you need it. They might be teachers or college professionals, they could be counselors or even professional healthcare clinicians. 

So before we even go any further, you might need to grab a piece of paper and identify your network by answering the following questions:

1. When it comes to your school, work or career, who can you count on, and who do you trust? 
2. Who confides in you, wants to see you succeed, and seems to have your best interest at heart?
3. Who can you go to for advice that has a track record of personal success?
4. Who inspires you to learn, grow and be your best self? 
5. Who gives you more confidence when you spend time together?

The questions seem easy, and yes, certain family members and friends will quickly rise to the top. But now comes the REAL work! Just outside of the “circle of trust” you have considered to be your network, is another group of people that are potential candidates for adding to your network. But before you go there, you need to go back through your current network list and identify the qualities that each bring to the table that benefit you in some way. NOW, you can identify what is missing. Here are some examples of questions you might ask: 

1. Is there someone in my network that can help me with my career plans? 
2. Is there someone that I trust to give me advice on my clothing and grooming techniques?
3. Is there someone that can honestly help me create and attain my fitness goals?
4. Is there someone that can help me with my bills, finance and budgeting? 
5. Is there someone who can support my spiritual beliefs and guidance?

You don’t have to immediately fill all the gaps in your network. As a matter of fact you should start to become very particular about who you invite to “join” your network. There are lots of people with their own agendas who can take advantage.  Your goal might be to add one person per month to your network. That would be 12 new people in the next year. That might be too much, so go at your own pace. If you have questions or need additional help, send me an email!