How do you nurture your relationships and network as an entrepreneur?
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— The LinkedIn Team
As an entrepreneur, you know that your relationships and network are crucial for your success. They can help you find new opportunities, learn from others, and grow your business. But how do you nurture them in a way that is genuine, respectful, and beneficial for both parties? Here are some tips to help you build and maintain strong connections in your entrepreneurial journey.
Be authentic
One of the most important aspects of nurturing your relationships and network is to be yourself. Don't pretend to be someone you're not, or try to impress others with false claims or exaggerations. People can sense when you're being dishonest or insincere, and that can damage your reputation and trust. Instead, be honest, humble, and transparent about who you are, what you do, and what you value. Show your personality, your passion, and your purpose, and you'll attract people who resonate with you.
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In my experience, authenticity is the key to growing and maintaining meaningful relationships. Genuinely being yourself has a way of naturally attracting people with similar values and interests. It also gives you an opportunity to showcase your unique personality, passions, and purpose in life. Trying to be someone you're not – or making false claims – can come across as disingenuous which can damage your reputation and trust. Be honest, humble, and transparent about who you are and what matters most to you. That's how you'll develop relationships that will last.
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Entrepreneurs often approach networking with an egocentric view, seeking immediate gains. Yet, the secret sauce to genuine, lasting connections is flipping that script. Dive into networking with an altruistic intent, asking, "How can I assist?" rather than "What's in it for me?" Be vulnerable: share not just successes but the stumbles. Authenticity, paired with humility, distinguishes you. In a sea of egos, let your humility be your beacon, drawing others in. The best networkers don't just take; they give, enriching the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Be generous
Another way to nurture your relationships and network is to be generous with your time, your knowledge, and your resources. Don't be stingy or selfish, or expect something in return for every favor or interaction. Instead, be willing to help others, share your insights, and offer your support. You can do this by introducing people who might benefit from each other, giving feedback or advice, or sending referrals or leads. By being generous, you'll show that you care about others, and that you're a valuable and reliable person to have in their network.
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I've come to learn that being generous with your time, knowledge, and resources can be an invaluable way to nurture relationships and build a larger network. Whenever there's the opportunity to help someone out, give advice or point them in the right direction, don't hesitate. Being willing to lend a hand without expecting anything in return helps demonstrate your genuine care for others and strengthens your reliability as a person to have in their circle. Put yourself out there with full intentions of being valuable and generous, and you'll reap the rewards.
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In my experience, nurturing relationships in my professional network has been crucial for business growth and success. The second paragraph of the article emphasizes the importance of maintaining regular communication and providing value to your network. I fully agree with this perspective. By staying connected and engaging with individuals in my network, I have been able to foster trust, establish mutually beneficial collaborations, and gain valuable insights. Whether it's sharing industry updates, offering assistance, or connecting people within my network, consistently nurturing relationships has proven to be a powerful way to expand my professional opportunities and create a supportive community.
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Be curious
A third way to nurture your relationships and network is to be curious about others. Don't just talk about yourself or your business, or assume that you know everything about them. Instead, ask questions, listen actively, and learn from them. You can do this by showing interest in their stories, their challenges, and their goals, and by following up with them on their progress or updates. By being curious, you'll show that you respect and appreciate others, and that you're open to new ideas and perspectives.
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Being curious and asking thought provoking questions will expand your network and keep you top of mind. These are three questions that I frequently asking during a conversation. 1. How did you become interested in your vocation? 2. What is the one thing about your leadership journey that you would like to share with the world? 3. How do you document and celebrate your wins? Remember #LeadLoudly 3 V's of #personalbranding. Share your #voice, always add #value, and #visibility is the key to networking successfully! #LeadLoudly #bold #confident #fearless
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Being curious is the absolute game changer for any entrepreneur. Curiosity opens the door to interesting ideas, thoughts and people. If you care about people, and want to build connection then being curious is that very door in doing so. There are so many interesting people in the world and they all have so many unique and exciting stories, yet they are usually never given the platform to share them. People love feeling accounted for. People love sharing a part of who they are, at their core. Ask open questions, have active listening and most importantly be curious about absolutely everything and everyone.
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Be consistent
A fourth way to nurture your relationships and network is to be consistent in your communication and follow-up. Don't just reach out to others when you need something, or disappear after a one-time interaction. Instead, keep in touch regularly, and show that you're committed and reliable. You can do this by sending thank-you notes, birthday wishes, or congratulations, or by sharing relevant articles, podcasts, or events. By being consistent, you'll show that you value and remember others, and that you're interested in building long-term relationships.
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The importance of consistency when it comes to nurturing relationships and growing your network cannot be understated. It's not enough to reach out to others just when you need something – or never again after a single interaction – but rather, showing them that you value them as people and are interested in keeping in touch. This could be through sending thank-you notes or birthday wishes, or simply just being present by sharing relevant news, podcasts, or events. Taking the time and effort to stay in contact with those who matter shows that you're committed to maintaining a long-term relationship.
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Consistency can be difficult. Most people in work and personal relationships have lots of life challenges which can throw things off. Also, mental health and self care is being brought into the spotlight more and more. There is nothing wrong with being authentic if you are extremely busy, not in a good place or have personal issues which are preventing you from being as consistent as normal. Being a little vulnerable and authentic can build trust and respect.
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Be respectful
A fifth way to nurture your relationships and network is to be respectful of others' time, boundaries, and preferences. Don't spam them with unsolicited messages, calls, or requests, or pressure them to do something they don't want to do. Instead, ask for permission, be polite, and be flexible. You can do this by checking their availability, using their preferred mode of communication, and respecting their decisions and opinions. By being respectful, you'll show that you're professional and courteous, and that you're aware of others' needs and feelings.
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My mom always taught me to treat everyone with same respect that I want to receive in return no matter who they are in this world. Being respectful towards others is another key factor in nourishing relationships and building a larger support system. It's important to remember that everyone has a unique set of boundaries, preferences, and schedules, and it's our duty to be mindful of them. Before sending out any messages or requests, always ask for permission first. Use their preferred method of communication and be considerate of their decisions – no matter what they may be. Showing respect demonstrates your professionalism and thoughtfulness while demonstrating an awareness of the needs and feelings of those around you.
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Give people the benefit of the doubt. If someone misses an appointment, is a no-show, take the high road and check that everything is OK with them. Would they like to reschedule? Stuff happens. Treat others as you want to be treated. Respect breeds respect.
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Be adaptable
A sixth way to nurture your relationships and network is to be adaptable to different situations, environments, and people. Don't be rigid or stubborn, or stick to the same old methods or habits. Instead, be willing to change, experiment, and grow. You can do this by seeking feedback, learning new skills, and embracing diversity. By being adaptable, you'll show that you're innovative and resilient, and that you're ready for new challenges and opportunities.
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Absolutely spot on. I have been living by these principles my entire life and I totally agree. I would add gratitude to this as well.
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Be vulnerable Many entrepreneurs hesitate to share the challenges that they face while building a startup. In my personal experience, the more I have opened up and shared the challenges, the more support I have received from my network. It is about keeping it real and authentic and coming from a place of curiosity to learn from and give back to your network.
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