There are 5 simple ways to make a connection.
#1 – Start (move forward)
#2 – Focus (be intentional)
#3 – Be Real and Be Friendly (Add Value to Others)
#4 – Be Present (Ask Questions and Listen)
#5 – Be Consistent (and Repeat)
START
The number one challenge people have with connecting and networking… is they don’t start. The first step is to get out of your Safe Place… your comfort zone… and Start.
We come up with great plans and then we have so many reasons not to start. We have to adopt a Do It Now attitude and push ahead… even if we don’t feel prepared.
Life will always get in the way one way or the other, but as the old saying goes, we have time for what we make time for!
FOCUS
You need to be laser focused on your connection objective, and be intentional in your approach to connecting. If you want to meet a certain group of people, find out where they hang out. What groups, associations, or clubs do they belong to… and then join! Get out of your office and go where the people are! If you don’t know where to start, go to social media events and take a look!
Environment is everything in life, and when we put ourselves in the right environment to succeed, we will.
BE REAL AND BE FRIENDLY
You have to be yourself and get to know people. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, people know when you’re genuine and authentic! Look to Add Value to others and Be Uplifting!
A connection all starts with a simple greeting, authentic intent, and then takes consistent contact and intentional development of a personal relationship. When you are truly connected and can call someone your friend, they will be motivated to be an advocate for you. After all… Friends help Friends!
People do life and business with people they Know, Like, and Trust! Taking someone from that initial contact to connecting with them happens by giving them an opportunity to really know you… and then they have to Like you! Usually Likable people are Liked… and last is building their Trust! Trustworthy people are Trusted.
BE PRESENT
Be in the moment, and listen to others. Remember, everyone’s favorite subject is themselves. Don’t monopolize the conversation. Ask questions and then listen! As John Maxwell says… “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” When you show you care about them and what they say, they will want to hang around you more.
Most of us tend to get in a rush and hurry through life. Each moment is nonrefundable and precious. Intentionally focus on those around you, listening and learning!
BE CONSISTENT
One of the most important things in connection is to be Consistent! Relationships are not a one and done. You have to connect on a regular and consistent basis to develop a relationship. It takes time to get to really know someone. When you are Consistent, you allow time to form a true connection.
So many times we do too many things to stay consistent in one thing!. Multitasking is a great myth… as it distracts us in divides our attention!
Conclusion
Connection is really a Lifestyle. In order to go beyond just a contact it takes work and purpose. Remember to Start, Focus, Be Real and Be Friendly, Be Present, and Be Consistent. Why do you want to connect… Why do you want to be their friend. Ultimately, that is the test. If you can truly answer those questions with your actions, you can gain true connection and true friendship. After all, friends are made with people that Know, Like, and Trust you!
Action
If you want to really connect with people, consider joining our Mastermind Group! A Mastermind is a small group of individuals who meet regularly with a moderator to provide structure, support, and accountability. Message me or email me at russ@russhedge.com for more information.
And from what I have seen you have been a great example of all of these! love this first sentence: “The number one challenge people have with connecting and networking… is they don’t start. The first step is to get out of your Safe Place… your comfort zone… and Start.” I’m thinking that probably applies to just about everything! 😀 The number one challenge is usually starting! … Nice post. All great tips for making connections!
Taking action!!!
Love your content Curtis, and I agree with your deductions. I also agree with Laura’s comment that you have been a great example of all of these characteristics. Your conclusion about the Mastermind Alliance is absolutely necessary for any new habits to really stick to the subconscious that allows anyone to manifest a changed life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it very much.
Masterminds are one of the keys. So we must choose them wisely, and I know that this MasterKey group is the right group!
This is fabulous, thanks for sharing Curtis
Julie, thank you so much! Very grateful.
I start now, the choice is mine. Thank you
I start, then I stop then I start again..
I truly appreciate the way the 5 principles you share here, Curtis, blend in with the Hill/Stone 17 Success Principles. Well done, son!!!! LOL 🙂
Thank you Loren! We all know how true this is.
Curtis, good for you for explaining the importance of making a connection and how to make a connection. Thank you for your blog. From your blog rover friend John.