The #heartofNC @rockstarconnect networking @cohab.space was full of sharing. Ideas. Insights. Inspirations. This is where collaborations are created that can only lead to growth and innovation.

​Networking is a valuable tool for building connections and growing your personal and professional brand. To help you network effectively, here's some valuable tips:

Be authentic
Being authentic is crucial to building lasting relationships. When you're yourself and let your unique personality and values shine through, you're more likely to connect with like-minded individuals who share your values and vision. Instead of trying to be someone you're not, focus on building relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding. When you're authentic, people are more likely to remember you and refer you to others.

Listen and ask questions
Active listening and asking thoughtful questions are key to establishing a connection with others. When you listen actively, you show that you're genuinely interested in what the other person has to say, and you're not just waiting for your turn to speak. By asking questions, you can learn more about the other person's background, interests, and goals, which can help you find common ground and build rapport.

Be prepared
Before attending a networking event or meeting, it's important to be prepared. Doing some research on the attendees and preparing some questions or talking points in advance can help you make a better impression and show that you're genuinely interested. Knowing and being prepared to talk about what you can offer the new new connections you make shows people that you are an avid member of the community and they are more likely to do business with you.

Follow up
Following up is essential to building lasting relationships. After making a connection, following up with a thank you note or message helps to keep the relationship alive. You can also share helpful resources or insights to add value. By following up, you show that you're committed to building a meaningful relationship and that you value the other person's time and effort.

Give before you ask
Offering help or support before asking for something in return is essential to building trust and establishing a mutually beneficial relationship. When you offer value first, people are more likely to reciprocate and support you in return. This can help you build a strong network of connections that can help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Attend events and join groups
To expand your network, attending networking events and joining relevant groups to meet like-minded individuals is key. This can help you build a strong community of support and guidance that can help you grow your personal and professional brand. By attending events and joining groups, you can also stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Maintain relationships
Finally, keeping in touch with your network regularly, even when you don't need something is important. This helps to build long-lasting relationships that can benefit you both personally and professionally. By keeping in touch, you can continue to offer value and support, share updates and insights, and stay top of mind for future opportunities.

In conclusion, effective networking is all about building meaningful relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding. By following these tips, you can build a strong network of connections that can help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Remember to be authentic, listen and ask questions, be prepared, follow up, give before you ask, attend events and join groups, and maintain relationships. Good luck with your networking efforts!

Should you have interest in attending one of our networking events, please send an email to contact@createsincerely.com to request an invitation.

Yours in Networking,
Kimberly Michele

Last night, someone recommended that I kill my inner child for a year or so in order to excel toward success. They said it’s best to put my hearts' desires on hold for a while to focus on growth; to sacrifice experiences in order to make progress now, so I can enjoy more later.
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Although this recommendation was coming from someone that is successful, living a life that I would like to live, this conversation triggered my value system none-the-less. It has me thinking long and hard about what I’m willing to sacrifice for success, what success means to me, and where my motivation originates. If the inner child experiences are sacrificed, I ask, what is the motivation? Money, fame, title, status, praise?

Many of us believe in making sacrifices in order to achieve our dreams.

For instance, we might decide to spend less time with friends and family so that we can work hard and get ahead. However, research suggests that when it comes to success, sacrificing too much can have a negative impact on happiness and life satisfaction.

The level of sacrifice is different for everyone. Before pursuing any endeavor requiring sacrifice—whether large or small—be sure to take the time to define the motivation, so that we move forward with authenticity. Here's some journaling prompts to mediate on the correlation between success and sacrifice.
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👉What does success look like to you?
👉What is your motivation? Money, fame, status, praise, or experience?
👉What are you willing to sacrifice?