Expand Your Network

I spent almost 7 years of my professional life in relationship building. When I say relationship building, it means the expansion of the number of my friends, colleagues and clients. This is very important in a marketing practitioner, as well as entrepreneurs.

When I upgraded my mobile phone, I had a trouble in transferring my contacts from my previous mobile phone unit due to some technical differences. I have realized that I already had more than 200 contacts stored in my phone!

Now, what's the value of networking with other people? How is it important to your life, whether you are a marketing professional or not? Very simple. I have observed that more opportunities come to those who have a huge network of friends. There will be times that you'd need others for your project. Sometimes, you'll need a helping hand or a friendly advice. I'm sure, if you are thinking of buying a property or car or a computer, you'll ask your friends first.

I like to share some tips how to expand your network of friends.

1. Add friends in Facebook and other social media networks.
You don't have to add everybody in your Facebook account but at least add new friend once you have identified the person you'd like to add or asking you to add them. This will help you grow your network that you can influence to, whether you are an entrepreneur, doctor, engineer, sales clerk or a homebody. You can't limit the opportunities once you unlock yourself in these social networks.

2. Have a personal calling card.
Invest in personal calling card and establish yourself in it. It's good to have a calling card issued by your company but you can really express yourself in a self-published card. It works for you as a person, not as an employee. I printed my personal card without contact numbers but has my two (2) email addy and two (2) personal blog sites. Why? I wanted to promote my blogs and I believe email address is more permanent than contact numbers.


3. Attend events and social gatherings.
What I am excited about attending seminars and similar events is that I learn and meet new friends at the same time. While in the event, grab the opportunity to meet people and build rapport with them. Be prepared with your contact cards and ask calling cards too.

4. Link your friends.
You'll be surprised to know you and your friend have much common friends. And, it's more fulfilling if you have linked your friend to another. When I was in an event company, I linked them with a friend who builds up the image of a non-profit organization and established a good cause for my affiliated company. It's already an achievement for me. When someone is in need, feel free to recommend or refer your friends. Your friends will be happy if you referred them to others.

5. Volunteer and help others.
Lastly, volunteer yourself for a good cause. I call this "planting seeds of greatness." When you use your time, skill, talents and resources to something purposeful, you'll be astonished with the rewards. I volunteered myself in hosting wedding receptions. That's the least that I can do to help my friends in their memorable event. In my company, I volunteered to be the host of the corporate events. Doing that, I developed my skills and expanded my network.

Why Facebook and other social media sites became phenomenal? They know the power of connection. People will work with people, not just with a machine. Build up your network and enjoy the benefits. Take time to learn new things through other people and reap your harvest of greatness.

Same Feathers Flock Together

I remember the first time I spoke to a crowd of young people, I spoke so fast. In my mind, I have everything I have to tell them and unknowingly, I was running after a bullet train. Somebody had to raise his hand and boldly advised me to slow down so they could understand what I was talking about. Then, after few years, I found myself struggling and trembling (again!) while presenting book titles in front of category managers of a leading bookstore chain.

Speaking in front of a huge crowd keeps butterflies inside me. I couldn't escape from it because that's the nature of my work. Whether it's interpersonal or giving a talk to hundreds of people, my knees tremble and my tongue stutters. I thought to myself, "my English is terrible...I might forget what I want to say...there's limited time so I need to talk faster."

Now, telling all these, you wouldn't believe I hosted 5 wedding receptions and I have one this December. Thanks to my dear friends who trusted me their memorable day. How were I able to manage the butterflies? That I owe to my coaches.

I listen to audiobooks. I watch public speakers over the internet. I ask advice from my friends who speak with eloquence. I search for public speaking tips. I enrolled to a public speaking training center and befriend the master speaker. I practice what I learn. And, I force myself to speak in public. Terribly, I need to volunteer myself so I could have the learning experience. I stepped out of my comfort zone and jumped into the circle of public speakers (whether they like it or not!).

The sayings goes, “Birds with the same feathers flock together.” When we are surrounded with inspiring people, later on, our feathers will be like theirs. Somebody might tell you, “you look like them” or “you act like them” or "you think like them". The Holy Scripture taught me to “keep company to the wise and I will be wise.” It really matters. Tell me your environment and I'll tell you what your lifestyle is. If we want to change our mind, we have to change our environment. It's a discipline. Our mind is affected by what we see, hear and feel.

You want to change your attitude? Change your environment. Negative people will tell you hundreds of reasons why you should give up! Get out of the cage of fears and low self-esteem. Be surrounded with good people who won't embarrass you when you commit a mistake. Ask somebody you know could help you to become a better you. Don't be afraid to ask because only the fool thinks he knows everything. Wise men know there are so much more to learn. So, widen your network. Scratch your feathers with eagles, not with ducks nor chickens. Then when you soar high, it's time for you lift others. Be with the flock of happy and successful people.