As human beings, we’re wired to connect with others. We build relationships throughout our lives, both personal and professional, and these connections become a crucial part of our success. In the business world, your professional network can be one of your most valuable assets. It can help you find new job opportunities, expand your knowledge and skills, and even bring in new clients or customers. However, building a network is not enough. You need to service it, too.
Servicing your professional network means nurturing and maintaining the relationships you’ve built over time. It means keeping in touch with your contacts, offering help when needed, and providing value to them without expecting anything in return. By doing so, you become a valuable resource to your network, and in turn, your network becomes a valuable resource to you.
One of the most important things to remember is that it’s not just about what you can get from others. The more you focus on helping others, the more you build trust and credibility within your network. This, in turn, will increase your influence and the likelihood that others will want to help you in return.
Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interests first. When you put the needs and interests of others before your own, you build meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime. People will remember you for your kindness and willingness to help, and they will be more likely to go out of their way to help you when needed.
Think about the value you can provide to others. It’s not just about being helpful; it’s about offering something others can’t get elsewhere. This could be your knowledge, expertise, or unique perspective on a particular topic. The more you can offer that is valuable and unique, the more likely others will want to stay connected with you.
The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself. Your personality, skills, and experiences are what make you unique. These are the things that can set you apart from others and make you a valuable part of any network. By being yourself and offering your unique gifts to others, you can build strong relationships that can help you achieve your goals.
By placing the needs and interests of others first, offering value, and being yourself, you can build meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime. Remember, your network is only as strong as the effort you put into it.