Connection Opportunity post #4

We need a network to survive. How do you build yours? What is your family network like? Are they the primary support or secondary? Why? If you need help with something, how do you determine who you go to ask for help? Below are some tools to help you find your network.

Perhaps an awareness of your network provides a simple solution to help you build a network that works for you. When you are stuck, what does that look like? How does your mindset impact your network?

• Family/Kids - Who would you call in an emergency? What barriers would keep you from making that call?

• Personal /Self - What value do you place on your network? Do you tend to overutilize or underutilize your resources?

• Clients/students - What advice do you give your students or clients that you should give yourself?

• Work/professional - How does a network serve you at work? Potential clients? Sales? Support? Professional development?

• Nature - Where do you naturally go in a time of need? Outside, to bed, binge-watching shows?

• Community/online networks - How often do you reveal a lousy day online? What do you feel comfortable sharing, and how does that impact your connection with others?

Suggested activity - Draw out circles for each different group in your life on a blank sheet. There are no right or wrong groups. (Suggested 3-8 circles) Title each (work, college, family, social activities, etc.) accordingly.

Next, list the people who come to mind in that group. Don't second guess who comes to mind; write them out as they arrive. Keep listing people until you have to think about who else would apply to that group.

Once you have finished listing names, go through and count the number of people you listed. Add the total and write the number at the top of the page once you have the total answer to the three questions listed below.

1. Were there any groups/areas that surprised you? If so, why?

2. What are your thoughts about the total number of people listed?

3. How does this visual change your mindset of your network and how you will use it moving forward?

Take that next step; you never know what you might find for yourself. Check out our website for additional resources or tools to connect with yourself or those you love.