Invest in meeting - and being - these people
Hello there, my dear.
Let's talk about relationships. They're like bank accounts. They're everything.
One of my favorite sayings is an African proverb that says: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We need people in our lives in order to be successful. Plain and simple.
There is something very primal, very beautiful, about having a network that supports us at every stage and at every given time in our lives. We need to invest in other people in order to build that network. And let's get a little selfish here. We don't just want a network of names. Nobody needs a desk drawer full of business cards that you never use. We want–and need–cup-filling, profitable relationships that give us access to resources, spaces, people and things that make our lives better.
Years ago, I realized that I needed my cup to “runneth over” in terms of what I was getting in my relationships. I needed to be so fulfilled because if I was, I'd be willing to give my very best in return. I’d be able to release into my relationships with a level of ease that I hadn't had before.
And most importantly, I could be a reflection of what I was receiving back to others. I could openly share what I had because I had enough of it.
So there's five types of relationships I might encourage you to think about cultivating in your professional life.
The first one is: the confidant. This is your person; the one who guards your secrets, shares your laughter and holds you to your values. We all need this person, and 1 in 5 of us is missing this person in our lives.
The second is: the hype master…that person who will sing your praises and get any room excited before you walk into it. When you're not there, they're telling everybody about you. They're getting everybody excited to meet you, to hear about you, to learn what you can do.
The third is: the influencer. This is that person who will open their network to you. They're the person who has access to spaces, people, resources, ideas. They influence culture in a big way.
The fourth is: the mentor. This is the person who will give you guidance and advice based on your known values. They are someone who will help you practice. They'll give you a space to have your professional voice grow and teach you what they know.
The fifth is: the sponsor. This is the person who will hold the door open for you so that you can walk through it. They will make things happen with their influence, their dollars, their talent. They're there to make sure that you cross over the finish line.
Cultivate these relationships. Seek them out. While you're doing it - and when you've achieved them - pause and check to see: are you these types of people for others? Are you someone's confidant, hype master, influencer, mentor or sponsor? Are you someone's mentor?
Invest in someone else today. It will change the trajectory of your life and theirs. Have fun.
♥
Andrea