It’s all about who you know
How many times have you heard this statement? Probably enough to make you pull your hair out and say, ” yea, yea, yea”. While the sheer repititiveness of this wisdom is annoying, the advice is key to achieving your best. It’s normal to feel like doing things independently will produce better results, yet success may come from collective efforts. This doesn’t mean a peer’s opinion is more valuable; instead, their view helps clarify your unique perspective. By increasing your network, creating interest groups, or excercising, you will increase your career and financial opportunities. There are several ways you can immediately increase your luck and expand your social contacts.
Join a community organization
Community organizations are one of the best ways to network with professionals, make friends, and form new ideas. Most groups are easy and affordable to join; they only require the investment of your time. If you can spare at least 1-2 hours of your time, they can become a great way to find people you relate too. Here are a few reccomendations on where to start.
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Toastmasters may be the single most beneficial club to join. It provides you with speaking skills, leadership, and professional contacts. There are clubs located in every state and most cities which make it accessible, and the low registration fee make it a realistic option. Many professional politicians used Toastmasters at points in their careers and even Tim Allen, a famous comedian, was a member of Toastmasters. If your strapped for cash, want to be around industry professionals, and improve your marketable skills; Toastmasters is a fantastic opportunity. By the way, Rotary clubs, and Lion Clubs offer great benefits too.
Create a group
It may seem obvious to surround yourself with like minded individuals, but sometimes it takes a little legwork. For example, I rescently got really interested in yoga and decided to create a club. I went to the public library and asked if I could reserve a small space in the library to meet with my group and they were happy to help. Next, I started marketing my club with flyers and word of mouth. This helped me find people who shared like interests and wanted to stay physically active. It also got me out of my room! Starting a club makes you look like a go-getter, gives you new social connections, and great leadership experience. What are you waiting for? Take your interests to the next level.
Read.. Read.. Read!
Read everything you find interesting– blogs, news, books, and magazines to name a few– take notes or think about what your reading and why you like it. How many times have you read an interesting article which inspired you in the moment, but you forgot the next day? Make your reading material as relavant as possible. For example, When I ordered the book Vagabonding by Rold Potts–a travel author, adventurer, and speaker– I would write down ideas for my own travels. Obviously I disagreed with some of his philosophies, but critically reading his work helped me solidify my own theories.
Strike up a conversation with a stranger
Isn’t it odd how some of the best parts of our days are unexpected– it could be a random conversation, a funny incident, or an odd connection we make in our heads– these small bits of our day keep us entertained and remotivate us. Once I was struggling to find reasons to keep making blog posts– I felt like nobody was going to read my material, listen to a twenty-three year old, or want to hear my story– by pushing myself to reach out to more strangers I realized there are always people who will believe in you if you’re willing to look for them or risk rejection. I try to reach out to at least one stranger a day because you never know who you’re going to meet; however, it won’t be anyone if you choose not to try.
Power jogs, excercise, or sport of your choice
Physical excercise can be the best ways to increase your social value. Alot of peeople enjoy playing sports, going to the gym, running, or swimming. All of these activites can help you meet more people, break the motonoy of your day, and give you a clear mind. I hate when people say, “i have to WORK out”. Personally, i view excercise as my recess– technically i’m not supposed to have recess at my age, but it works for me. When i was ten i used to be ecstatic to go run around for a half an hour–this time is used to make friends, be creative, and burn of stress. Let’s say your working on a really annoying math problem, or you have writer’s block- excercise might be the answer- you’ll return to your work more focused and re-energized!
Get lucky
Seriously! Go search for the people who have things you want- look for mentors, friends, and resources. Next, stick to
your plan and stay comitted. With the proper networking skills and persistence you will be well ahead of most and on the way to getting lucky! Remember, Luck is imaginary, we made it up!