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A strong social network brings much happiness with it. If you have friends that you can have fun with, individuals you enjoy supporting, and people that can help you in the right direction, you'll have a wonderful time making your way through this crazy party we call life.
To cultivate this network I suggest visualizing it in a certain way. Your social network is similar to a garden.
One of the keys in gardening is to plant many seeds so that you maximize your chance of having plants grow in the future. The same is true with creating and expanding your network. You must make many initial contacts with individuals to see any relationships develop as time goes on. The more people you meet, the more likely something will result in the future.
So what exactly is "planting a seed" in the context of your social network?
Truly connect with individuals upon first meeting them. Make a strong impression, and make sure they have the opportunity to make an impression on you as well. You'll know if the seed was successfully planted if the following interactions with the person in question are more involved and comfortable.
On a fairly consistent basis I hear one of my friends tell me, "Steve, I planted some seeds today." I love his mindset.
So, in order to build a solid network for yourself you need to get out there, and in all of your interactions, plant some seeds!
Eventually you'll see a flower bloom.
Boom!
Hey Steve. Love the blog! I got around to planting some seeds the last couple weeks, but I haven't started seeing any improvements. Do you have any more advice to help water these seeds? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Quest4Success,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the praise; I'm glad you enjoy the blog. Give me some more information regarding your interactions and what you are looking for. I would love to give you some advice!
Steve
Well I facebook friended everyone in my Chem Lab, but when I try to start conversations they never seem to get anywhere. What kind of conversation starts would you recommend?
ReplyDeleteFirst off, the seeds you are planting are for a "garden," not a "farm." I hate to say it but Facebook friending everyone in the lab may have been the wrong move. There is no need to be so forward.
ReplyDeleteFocus on some of the individuals you find most interesting. Start making conversation about the class you are in, in person though. Ask them about the homework, or if they want to study. Try to find something unique to the individual and build upon that as you transition from school related conversations to more personal ones.
If you really need something to start a conversation ask someone to do a small favor for you, one that is not that demanding, but that will further a relationship. Then as time goes on and you see an opportunity, do something for them.
Every time you have an interaction with any of these individuals make sure you are completely "there" and involved in the conversation.
Seeds will start to sprout eventually!