By Anika Khara
Discover real-life examples and actionable tips ( Taken From My Experiences)on how to create and maintain authentic relationships that will effectively increase your net worth.
Some people look at personal and professional networks as different, definitive lines. But in today’s time, when the lines of 9-5 are blurred with always-on technology and accessibility, it’s critical to remember there is no work/life balance, just life. And with that, learning to build authentic relationships is essential.
Here’s the thing. If you can build more meaningful, authentic relationships, you will get so much more out of ALL of your relationships. Your network will be off the charts. Your net worth will increase.
If you can cultivate authentic, meaningful relationships that raise other people up around you, you will rise, too.
This blog will provide tips on how to create (and maintain) meaningful relationships, effectively increasing your net worth.
Networking is NOT Working.
Can we all agree to stop using network as a verb? As in “you’re networking.” It’s selfish. It’s inauthentic. And it’s not working.
“To me, a ‘network’ implies inauthenticity and ‘using’ people around you, when the most valuable networking actually comes from real, honest, authentic relationships.”
1. ROOT YOUR RELATIONSHIPS IN AUTHENTICITY.
Since I am a part and co founder of Women Business Cult( An All Women Organisation), it is important to me that we foster a community of ‘real talk’ that our organisation facilitates. That way we can understand local challenges (or opportunities!) better as a whole, as well as provide them with the support they need to be set up for success.
Especially in the startup ecosystem, the line between friend/peer/colleague can get very blurry, so it’s important to me to be a positive, encouraging force and elevate those around me, just as they do for me!
Sharing an authentic point of view – with the same, positive intent – helps us all better achieve our goals.”
Make a Strong First Impression.
“when chatting with someone, try to get present to this:
- What is something unique or complimentary you learned from your convo?
- Tell them!
- Acknowledgement is powerful and creates a meaningful foundation.
“it’s more important to get to know who someone is vs focus on learning about what they do, because people change jobs all the time, and jobs themselves evolve all of the time.”
The Cream Always Rises to the Top.
By Having positive, open, honest, respectable relationship with my companies and clients, I found myself in a position where work never felt like “work.” I believe it all blends together, and that is part of the success equation.”
2. OBEY THE LAW OF RECIPROCITY.
Do Unto Others As You Would Have Done Unto You
“I genuinely love to connect people,”
“I have found that ‘networking’ is a cheesy word – and people do it wrong all of the time – but it’s been my lifeline for the past 5 years professionally.”
“My whole life – my job, the places I’ve worked– always have had to do with tapping into my personal community (or them reaching out to me). It’s allowed me the opportunity to work with good companies, have the best workshops and training.”
“It’s important to me that I also take the time to be willing to connect people, offer them opportunities. Being in any community, whether work, organisations or friends, involves being generous and authentic with your own connections and time.”
3. KNOW THAT ALL RELATIONSHIPS TAKE EFFORT.
Start Small.
“Go to ONE event and talk to ONE person who also may be alone or a little shy or introvert. You don’t need to meet everyone in the room, and starting with small wins is way better than not pushing yourself out of your comfort zone at all!
“Just start asking questions and have a genuine interest in the person. People generally feel comfortable speaking about themselves. And this gives you the opportunity to find a common bond and build authentic relationships!”
Build Connection ARCs (Acknowledgement, Relatability, Curiosity)
If you want to create meaningful connections with people around you, that means having active conversations.These Easy-to-Remember connection ARC for your communication considerations:
- Acknowledgement – what does your conversation with someone say about them?
- Relatability – build bridges between their experience and yours so there are points of recognition.
- Curiosity – Seek to understand, and assume positive intent. Discover one’s interests, motivations and incentives.
4. AUTHENTICITY ALLOWS FOR PERSISTENCY.
When you are an authentic person, you can be committed in your cause.
Cultivate Lasting Relationships: Emphasis on SOCIAL Media
“If you have genuine interest, it’s pretty easy to be attentive,”
One of the great thing about social media, is that there are so many ways to tell what is going on with people. I am pretty vigilant about reaching out when I see these moments.
“We always think everyone has such a vibrant network of friends – but a lot of people don’t have a big network cheering them on. And I like to think I am part of that community for people.
5. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS
Eagles Fly With Eagles.
There is a thought that you are the energy of the 5 people you engage with most. This could be at work and in your personal life. Literally, time spent together.
Who are they? Do they reflect the best you you want to be?
Reason, Season or Lifetime.
Remember, sometimes people are in your life just for a reason, season or a lifetime. Not everyone in your community needs to stay with you forever. Maybe they served a temporary purpose. And you’re likely no longer that same person.
And lastly, make sure everyone in your circle elevates you 🤗
Love Anika Khara 💖💖
Anika Khara 