Follow“You’ve got to go out on a limb because that is where the fruit is.” —Will Rogers
Do you know how to reach out to someone and build the connection that will lead to your success? Would you like to dramatically change the trajectory of your life? Do you want substantial improvements in your health, financial abundance or a higher social standing? Remember what the television mogul Oprah Winfrey once said, “Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.”
Oklahomans know how to make deep, long-lasting connections. It is this ability to create connections that will have a substantial impact on your life. If you can develop the skills, techniques and strategies which build these lucrative bonds then the possibilities are limitless.
Former Governor Brad Henry says, “The only thing holding us back is ourselves.”
If you have a goal in which you have yet to achieve it is very likely that you simply haven’t met the person or developed the relationship that can help you. It’s possible that you are one connection away from having whatever it is you want and it may be much easier to reach that person than you think.
How can you surround yourself with people that give you the best chance to succeed? You have the power to take action and make decisions that will instantly change the direction of your life. Your ability to choose the people you spend the majority of your time with greatly impact your results.
Master connector James Bost from GiANT Partners asserted that, “strategies and techniques
exist for building quality relationships.” Bost offered “the most important concept when creating a new relationship is that you have to actually care.”
In addition, it is important to know exactly what you want before reaching out to people, the clarity in your purpose will help others help you. I make it a habit to let people know what my major goals are because I find that the people who can help me usually do. I also get tremendous satisfaction from helping others with their dreams in the same manner.
Bost masterfully handles many relationships with successful business executives through GiANT’s Master Executive program, and he emphasizes to, “Know the value of prompt replies, if someone sends you an email don’t sit on it.” Also adding, “Treat others how you want to be treated, small things matter, promptness does matter.”
A very practical and effective method of gaining valuable connections is through the use of questioning. Instead of telling a person or organization what you want, ask them what their process is or if they know someone who could help you. I found this method of introducing myself to be far more successful. Remember what Mr. Bost said though, “You have to actually care.” I used this method to achieve my first published newspaper article. I walked into the office and asked what their process for selecting writers was. That started the conversation that led to my opportunity.
Fear and shyness have a habit of creeping up at the most inopportune times but Bost added that “it’s okay to be shy and you should use it to your advantage.” In fact, an extremely effective tactic is to let the person know that you are shy, then follow that up with your questions. Most people, by nature, want to be helpful, so when you let a person know you aren’t sure of what to do, they will help. Bost says that, “A real leader will help you in a situation like that.”
It’s imperative to stay positive and have good energy when reaching out to your new connections. It is okay to be excited about your purpose so show your enthusiasm. Bost emphasizes, “Don’t feel bad if people don’t respond the way you wish they would. Be the best person you can be, if they don’t respond the way you wish it’s their bad not yours.”
Will Rogers once said that, “A man only learns in two ways, one by reading and the other by association with smarter people.”
Who is on your list? Take a few moments and think about who can help you. Form a plan of action to reach out to this person. You can find your success in the relationships you develop and your whole world can change with a simple hello.
Have an awesome day!
By Jake Bollig experts
