WHY? WHAT? HOW?

Alisa Cohen’s recent email:

Jayson Gaignard has a saying that I love: "The most successful people are not self-made. They’re community-made." You need community to become who you are meant to be.

So, how do you build your own brain trust? Here are a few things I've learned: 

Be intentional
Find people you enjoy, vibe with, and who are smart, savvy, and genuinely want good things for you. Seek out people who believe that we all win together.

Be proactive​
Nothing happens if you don’t take action. Get started. Let people know what you’re trying to do and see if they want to join you. 

Take risks
​Reach out to people you admire and invite them to something. Yes, they might say no (and I always say that getting 10 no's is one of the best life hacks Getting 10 No's. But they might also say yes!

Nurture reciprocity​
The strongest communities are built on give and take. Think about what you bring to the table and be generous with your time, knowledge, and connections.

Create structure​
Whether it's a formal mastermind or a regular coffee meetup, having some structure and rituals helps you get the most out of it. Maybe you spend 15 minutes each on a business problem, or everyone shares what’s top of mind for them and one person does a deep dive. Structure eliminates the awkwardness of not knowing what to talk about. 

Embrace vulnerability​
I’ve learned that vulnerability is the gateway to connection. Go deep. Ask probing questions. Take a risk in what you’re willing to share. When you’re vulnerable, you invite others to do the same.

I’m so on fire on this topic that I wrote an article for Forbes about what leaders get out of joining communities like this. Forbes - CEO Communities

Bottom line: Community doesn't just happen - you have to cultivate it deliberately. 

And it’s worth it. The right community doesn’t just support you; it transforms you.

Who's in your brain trust? If you don't have one, now's the time to start building it!

The 8 competencies we have created at Contacts Count are aligned with each of the points Alisa has highlighted.  Aisa is speaking to WHAT you need to do.  Contacts Count certainly focuses on WHAT it takes to build relationships.  And then we make sure our clients know HOW to network.

Choice Points is the concept that Contacts Count uses to help our clients learn how to: Be intentional and Take risks. 

Communicate Your Expertise is the competency that our clients learn to Be proactive.

Adopt a Positive Networker Identity focuses on thinking and acting to promote Nurturing reciprocity.  Actively thinking and acting in a way that promotes teaching and giving. 

• The more we teach others about who we are the greater likelihood they may be able to help us in some way.
• The more we learn about someone the greater likelihood we can help them in some way.

Taking a Strategic Approach is the path to Create structure

Embrace vulnerability – asking open ended questions of others allows you to get a much more in-depth picture of WHAT the other person is all about.  And the more you learn about the other person the greater likelihood you help them in some way going forward.  

Who are the people in your community? 

Questions?  Comments! - email me at [email protected]

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