By Mignionette Fair, founder of editA
To be fair, Robert Kiyosaki is a he and he said, "The richest people in the world look for and build networks; everyone else looks for work.”
When I started my business, everyone kept telling me, "Your network is everything! Work on building it up." And to be honest, at the time, I didn't understand it. I'm not a people-person and I am definitely not energised by being around people. In fact, it drains me! Give me a good book, a good cuppa coffee, and leave me alone. I will be the happiest little bookworm in the whole wide world.
But, as so many times before, I was wrong! (Yes, I can admit it when it happens on the odd occasion). Your network is indeed your net worth (I say that at the risk of sounding cliche but it needs to be said). What else do you do when you need a designer, like, yesterday? Or when you are facing a crisis with SARS? Or when you just need a shoulder to cry/vent/lean on? You phone your network, of course!
I must say, I've been luckier than most to be surrounded with amazing women entrepreneurs who are so giving, supportive, funny, caring, empire-builders, world-shakers, plan-makers, and fair on the inside and outside. Below are some pics of my fellow Lionesses of Africa - the best network(th) a girl could ask for.
So, how do you build your network(th)?
1. Go to networking events. Please note: This doesn't mean you should go to every possible networking event but do make a point of attending the ones that are going to mean the most for your business.
I love the Lionesses of Africa Lean In events and the Hirsch's Networking events. Eventbrite.com is also a great place to look for networking events you may be interested in.
2. Be open and inviting. Learn from my mistakes please... Contrary to popular (read my) belief, sitting in the corner all by yourself will not create the impression that you are looking to build a network.
Get off your rusty dusty and mingle! A smile and a compliment don't cost anything. And your palms will (maybe) eventually stop sweating (although mine haven’t).
3. Put in some effort. Networks don't build themselves. If you are not going to put some effort into the relationship, it will probably not succeed.
Schedule meetings with key people in your network or consider collaborations. Keep hustling!
4. Be a giver, not a taker. Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
We all have something we can give or contribute, so please do share it with your network. Don't be too stingy with your advice/time/support.
I hope you feel inspired to build your own empire! Start by building a solid network. And then just keep shining brightly!
Until next time,
Mignionette
Mignionette Fair is the founder of editA, a one-stop language shop for anyone with a story to tell. Editing, copy-writing, translation… Mignionette and her team do it all! Whether you are a business owner, copy-writer, website developer, e-mail sender, newsletter distributor or love letter writer, editA helps you and your story shine brightly through excellent language and fantastic prices. editA has built in AI that ranks its wordsmiths against each other and into style categories. In this way, clients are ensured they get matched with the perfect wordsmith for their needs. editA’s turnaround times are also some of the best in the industry. To find out more, check out www.edita.online or email Mignionette direct at admin@edita.online