Let’s look at the role others play in enhancing your pursuit of fulfilment. While the attainment of Fulfilment is primarily your responsibility, a few people will have roles to play, this is particularly so because you are a social being and you do not exist in isolation. As such, some aspects of fulfilment will hinge on and depend on the inputs and involvement of others. A network refers to the process of building and maintaining relationships that foster the attainment of a set goal. These relationships could be professional, social, or business, fostering information gathering and knowledge sharing and aiming to increase visibility and maximise opportunities.
The phases of interaction are Introduction, Association and Recommendation. To maximise these, you will need to be open and sincere in your relationship. This could mean actively listening to the other person, being honest about your intentions, and showing genuine interest in their well-being. Being reachable and accessible, pleasing to be with, original and authentic, considerate, and proactive and responsive are also essential aspects of effective networking. Find balance in your bid to network. Too thin a frame or scope on interaction might delay you; too broad a frame or scope of interaction might be distracting.
When you meet people, it’s not just about exchanging pleasantries. It’s about being genuinely interested in who they are and what they do. This authentic interest can lead to meaningful connections and enhance relationships. The key is to prioritise your goals and identify meaningful relationships that promote their achievement. Understand that relationships are built; some wane naturally, others get modified or outmoded.
Your network sums up your reach: those active contacts who are positively and interestingly predisposed to you as a person. This goodwill can always be found in neighbours, schoolmates, family groups, or work buddies. It’s these positive interactions that strengthen your network. Every engagement or occasion, no matter how small, is an opportunity to connect, relate, interact and foster relationships. Each relationship is like a fertiliser that can foster goodwill.
You can recommend and refer your network, which not only broadens your reach and enlarges your coast but also opens up new opportunities for growth and expansion.
People make things happen, and by leveraging your network, you empower yourself to do the same. Availability is one thing; utilisation is another. Utilisation here means actively engaging with your network, seeking advice, making introductions, and asking for help when needed. To underpin your network, you must employ it. Therefore, you must use your network to help you achieve your goals.
Don’t be a self-centred, selfish fellow who only reaches out when there is a need. Be a team player, establish mutually beneficial opportunities and relationships. This means not only seeking help when you need it but also offering your assistance when you can. Acknowledge and appreciate the inputs of others to your progress in life. By doing so, you become an integral part of a supportive and thriving community. You know someone who can make it happen, or you know someone who knows someone who can make it happen. “That is how we roll”
“Everyone you’ll ever meet knows something you don’t.” – Bill Nye
“Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.” – Michele Jennae.