Expand Your Network.
April 9, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Some weeks it seems like everyone I know is busy. They’ve got work stuff going on, vacations, family’s in town, or they just don’t have time for little ol’ me. That’s how life goes. It’s cool. It happens to the best of us. Although I’m quite an introvert these days, I recognize my need for people. My deep-seeded need for community outside of my immediate family.
In February, I set about adding to my beautiful network of current friends–yes, folks, I actually do what I write about–and create more community around me. I believe there’s nothing wrong with adding to what you have and you can only gain insightful experiences and good friends by doing so.
What exactly did I do? I did a few things that you might find helpful.
• I started with other ladies that I already know and have hung out with a few times. I made a more rigorous effort to grow the relationship that had already begun and take it to a deeper level.
• I did some social networking. Using the friends I have on Facebook, I contacted them and made a point to set a playdate and hang out. Some I had met in person prior to the contact, others I never knew.
• I joined new mommy groups. I started taking a yoga class every week to meet new people and stayed for the mommy group thereafter.
• I said “hello” at the park. I often strike up conversations with one-time park mommy friends. That’s one thing. It’s quite another to feel a good connection with someone and give them your friend card. One of my closest friends was made this way!
Phew. March was a month of vulnerability and putting myself out there, but I can honestly say I feel like I have five new friends I can call or text or message or email or whatever and they’ll hear me out. I have five new people to network with, chill with, and even do business with.
So let’s do this. Let’s expand this thing and get her going. Let’s get out there and say,
“To hell with it! I’m putting myself out there! I’m making a larger network for myself. I’m getting more friends. I’m putting myself on the line, in a vulnerable position, because I need people in my life.”
And we do! We need people to fulfill the need of community. There’s nothing wrong with that. Quite the opposite. It’s a beautiful thing!
Community Discussion: What’s one thing you’ll do to build community and expand your present network of friends?
Photo: Audrey and her friend Jasper True. She met him at the mall back in December and they’ve been connecting ever since!
