Four Steps to Having a Powerful Community Network

At the risk of being cringe, I will offer you a nearly fail proof way to improve your ability to build a social network in real life that will make your life richer. We know that much of our happiness (and success) in life is about our relationships. 

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

Well, we better talk about it then. Further, I don’t think it’s any less “real” or valuable to build a network on purpose. Here are four ways to improve your social capital today:

1. Become a “regular.” For the next 18 months, don’t go to 60 different restaurants. Go to three. Become a regular, over tip, and be kind. 
2. Be dramatically interested. Most people are trying to be interesting. That’s a mistake. Interesting people are interested in something. If you’re not obsessed with anything, you’re boring. 
3. Connect people. This isn’t about you. It’s about other people. Anytime you know someone who can help or should meet another person, facilitate it. This is you giving out what you’d like to receive. Bringing value to others has a karmic effect. 
4. Make eye contact and avoid pleasantries. Most people will fill the silence with “How you been?” and “So, warm lately, right?” Say anything else. 

This isn’t a one time thing, so buckle up. Do this for 18-months straight and report back. 

Good luck.