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Tuesday, December 11, 2018

The Easiest Way to Expand Your Network

“I don’t know anyone who could help me” is a really lame excuse.

My friend Travis Chappell is a master at networking and helping other expand their networks. Travis’s podcast has already been recognized and featured by some of the greatest people out there. How does he meet such incredible people? He figures out how he can be a blessing to someone (how he can add value to them), and then he does it. He adds value to others first. Every. Single. Time.

Who is someone that you would like to begin a friendship with? How can you add value to that person this week?

My friend Norm Olsson loves people. Several times I’ve been in crowded vans or cars with him. By the end of the ride he has new friends, and he has complimented them on several things in their lives. When the ride is over, everyone in the vehicle has learned new things about others, just by listening to Norm ask interesting questions.

Who could you encourage this week by meeting them and asking a few insightful questions?  

I used to work out of a rental work space in downtown Atlanta. One of the walls was painted with this interesting quote: “If you want to expand your network, turn around and introduce yourself.” Crazy, but true. I’ve learned so much from Travis and Norm, and now I’m attempting to apply what I’ve learned.

So how do I introduce myself???

The best way that I know of is to look someone in the eye and say, “Hi, my name is Rob McCleland. I don’t think that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you.” They respond by giving me their name. My next question is easy, “It’s good to meet you, Peter. Has Atlanta always been home for you?” They’ll usually say, “No, I grew up in ______; I moved to Atlanta for work.” Next I could ask them about work, or what it was like to grow up where they mentioned, or their favorite part of living here. Yes, it really is that easy.

I did this yesterday and met a guy who had only been in the USA six weeks. Before that, he spent three years in Moscow, Russia. It ends up that he is a diplomat who has spent three years in many interesting parts of the world.

All of that to say that over the holidays, you will enjoy yourself much more if you get to know a few interesting people. But it usually doesn’t happen by accident. You have to be intentional. Be like Travis and add value. Or be like Norm and intentionally encourage those you meet. That’s what I’m trying to do. Will you join me? 

Finally, this is the only time of the year that you can purchase “Michael Hyatt’s course 5 Days to Your Best Year Ever.” I purchase it every year and it’s one of the best investments I make. Michael has put together a fantastic assessment to help you figure out where you are in life. Then he has an unbelievably helpful video series that helps you get clarity and overcome fears that have held you back. All of that is free. In the end he will give you the opportunity to purchase the product. My experience is that it is totally worth it (and he has a money back guarantee to prove it).

Rob’s commitment to transparency: If you click on one of the links above and eventually end up purchasing the product, Michael will send me a little bit of money for recommending it to you. I truthfully don’t know how much and I don’t really don’t care—I’d do it for free. Remember, I spend my own money on it every year! But I LOVE IT and it helps me have a better year.

Well friends, that’s it for this week.

Merry Christmas and I look forward to serving you again next week!

 

Rob

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