Your network determines your potential to make an impact and income. Be deliberate about learning the people you want to serve – who they are, what they like and dislike and what they need. An African proverb says, “He who has a shop must learn to smile”. Position yourself to get to know people who can help you with advice, insight, connections, resources and opportunities.
Getting deliberate in your networking requires a thorough understanding of who you want to serve, what they care about, what they need, and how you can best meet those needs. Position yourself to engage with individuals who can offer valuable advice, insight, and connections, or provide you with resources and opportunities when you need them the most. Without the right people, I would never have achieved many milestones.
Spotting Networks That Nurture Innovation
A thriving network has several important characteristics. One of the most important is an egalitarian attitude. People should look across at one another rather than down or up. This mindset creates an environment where ideas can be exchanged freely and where everyone feels comfortable giving and receiving feedback. When the playing field is level, you get to hear the most honest, sometimes uncomfortable, but always valuable suggestions.
Diversity also plays a critical role. A network that includes people from different backgrounds, industries, and perspectives is more likely to offer creative solutions to problems. By bringing together varied viewpoints, your network can become a source of innovative ideas that you wouldn’t have found on your own.
That’s exactly what The Nod is building, a movement of connectors, dreamers, doers, and builders who understand that our power is collective. We’re cultivating networks that nurture. Here, you’ll find the support, feedback, and collaboration you need to take your ideas further because innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. Movements like The Nod spur visibility and change.
Is Your Network Helping or Hindering You?
Every now and then, it’s worth stepping back to assess your network. Business growth, more clients, more opportunities, and more income are strong signs that your connections are pushing you forward. If things feel stagnant, then your network might be holding you back.
At one point, I realized some relationships were keeping me stuck. Shifting my focus to people who aligned with my vision made all the difference.
Ask yourself:
- How many clients have come through your network?
- What solid relationships have you built?
- Where are they taking you?
- What kind of conversations are they sparking?
Then decide whether you need to improve your circle or let go of the ones that aren’t serving your growth.
Building a Support System
I’m just learning the true power of networking. I never had a strong support system of entrepreneurs, and now I’m finding reward in supporting others and being supported in my business. People tend to support their own, sometimes over a prospect best suited for a job. So, I’m reaching out to build my table. One way I’m doing that is by attending networking events.
Industry mixers are made up of people, just like you, trying to get by. If you focus on genuinely getting to know people instead of sizing everyone up as a potential sale, you’ll feel more at ease and let connections grow naturally. What helps me walk into networking spaces without fear is knowing I have something valuable to offer and trusting that I’ll learn something meaningful from the people I meet.
When you’re the kind of entrepreneur who’s bet everything on herself, you’ll show up afraid, uneasy, even terrified, but you’ll still show up and get the job done.
Use these mindset shifts to fully embrace the power of an intentional network.
- Stop apologizing for yourself! Go boldly into those rooms and take your place.
- Be humble. Take the time to learn from those in your network who are further ahead.
- Know when to quiet down and listen.
- Don’t shy away from sharing what you do, just be sure to do it politely and with sensitivity.
Sustaining Meaningful Connections
Do it strategically. While business opportunities will naturally arise, the foundation of any successful network is built on shared humanity. LinkedIn and other social platforms are invaluable for expanding your reach and connecting with people globally. A few years ago, I decided to make LinkedIn my social platform of choice, and it has transformed the way I view the world and approach business. So choose your medium and work it.
One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had was joining the business group Womanition. As someone who grew up in a homogeneously Black community, I hadn’t had much exposure to working with people from different backgrounds. Through this group, I learned how to do business outside my cultural bubble. The breakthrough for me came when I realized that collaborating with people from different walks of life opened up new opportunities for growth and learning.
Balancing Giving and Receiving Value
I make it a priority to offer my services: coaching, speaking, and mentorship whenever I can. Yet, I’m mindful of protecting my bottom line as an entrepreneur. One way I strike a balance is to set aside a specific amount of time each year to give back. Once I’ve reached that limit, I’m honest about not being able to take on more.
Maintaining this balance is essential. It’s important to be generous, but it’s equally important to safeguard your success and well-being. I have a responsibility to succeed for myself, my family and my community, and being unwise in my stewardship is not a good look.
