Connection is critical for building relationships, growing your network, and increasing opportunities.

Success is achieved through building relationships to grow your network of like-minded people who will support you and further connect you. Opportunities arise through connection and relationships.

Strategies to employ to build relationships and grow your network

1. Be good at your job - every person you come in contact with appreciates you and understands that you provide the value they need. In other words, they see that you understand their needs and provide for them.
2. Be interesting - what makes you unique? Share personal things to help you stand out, maybe that you have a dog.
3. Join organizations to demonstrate your skills by helping them and building relationships.
4. Don't only try to meet important people. You never know when someone might be important in your life. Someone may be important, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are going to be important to you or in your life.
5. Focus on building relationships with people who are different than you.
6. Follow up - connect and then build and maintain relationships
7. Interact appropriately
8. Be sincere - don't be too calculated
9. Have fun while building relationships and growing your network

Add value to your relationships

Put yourself in the shoes of other people. Ellen shared the example of the contractor who removed her popcorn ceilings and how he went above and beyond what Ellen expected or hired him for. When you put yourself in other people's shoes, you'll think of and do little things that make a difference in their lives.

Don't make assumptions about what people need

Instead of making assumptions about what people need, get to know them and approach your relationships with empathy. Think of the big picture, not necessarily what they come to you for or what's on the surface. Ellen shared the example of the law student and creating wills. Building relationships is about creating an emotional connection.

Don't make assumptions. Get curious and ask questions from a place of empathy and people will appreciate you and want to continue building the relationship with you. They will see you as providing true value.

Be good at your job and provide additional value and people will understand what's in your heart. They will then want to recommend you and share you with others. In addition, the relationship and further connections and relationships will develop naturally.

 

Read the full show notes and access all links and resources.

Intro to SEO for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

Learn more about Click Automations.

 

Website for Ellen Poole 

Coupon code Robyn for 15% off Ellen's book.