If you ask me what’s one of the quickest ways to gain success and influence, I won’t hesitate to say it’s your network. The people you surround yourself with can and will guide you toward success if you choose wisely.
I’ve watched it play out in my life and those around me. The people we’ve surrounded ourselves with constantly give us a leg up.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Whether it’s finding new talents, getting in on the ground floor of an exciting venture, or getting connected to someone we’ve needed to know, the networks we’ve all built have helped us in this.
Have you been working on building a supportive network of like-minded leaders? If not, this article is for you. This article is for you, even if you’ve been building a great network.
Let’s dive into the good stuff.
6 Ways To Build A Supportive Network Of Like-Minded Leaders
Many leaders struggle with building a great network of other leaders that are supportive of what they’re doing. But you can do this. Use these 6 strategies to help you build that network that will help you thrive.
1. Go to events where other leaders are at and interact:
In the past, I regularly attended the Catalyst Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA and California. These events brought together like-minded Christian leaders who were there to grow themselves and others.
Through these events, I connected with the likes of Alejandro Reyes, Barnabas Piper, Greg Atkinson, and others. We’ve stayed connected through social media and email, where we can encourage one another and help our projects succeed.
If you’re at an event, be sure to connect with five to ten other attendees to see how you can help one another out. Your support for them will often extend to their support for you.
2. Find their online base and connect:
Many leaders have an online base. This is their website, LinkedIn profile, or podcast. They’ve made connecting with them easy.
Go to their online base and connect. You might find their email address on their website or in their podcast. Send an email! You might send a connection request on LinkedIn.
Whatever you need to do, do it. You’ll soon find yourself connecting with like-minded leaders through their platforms.
3. Ask for a connection:
You’ve already connected with other like-minded leaders, but you want to connect with more, right? What can you do? Ask for a connection referral from someone you already know.
Your connections have connections. Don’t be afraid to ask them to connect you with someone who could add value to your organization or personally.
4. Volunteer:
We overlook the power of volunteering. But, what does volunteering at an organization do when you think about it?
Not only will you be able to share your skills with others and help something you’re passionate about, but you’ll be connected with other leaders who have the same idea.
We don’t volunteer at a place that we don’t agree with. We volunteer at organizations that align with our mission or vision or passion. That’s what other leaders are doing.
Find a few extra hours a week to volunteer with a meaningful organization. Interact and connect with others who are doing the same.
5. Be social:
I know of leaders who say that they can’t find anyone to connect with. Everyone already seems to have their own clique. Yet, when I ask them what they’re doing to connect with others…
Crickets.
You can’t connect with other like-minded leaders if you’re not being social.
6. Cerate something yourself:
Maybe the most challenging way to connect with other like-minded leaders is to create something yourself and put it out there for the public to consume. Yet, this is a highly effective way of connecting.
You might consider starting a podcast where you interview other leaders. This allows you access to their thought process as you ask them questions about the decisions they’ve made. Or you might open a blog where you allow people to comment.
Creating something yourself shows other leaders that you’re serious about helping others. In turn, they want to help you.
