Luck can seem like a mystical force, something beyond our control that either blesses us with success or curses us with failure. However, when we take a closer look at the stories of successful people, we often find that their success was not entirely a product of luck, but rather the result of hard work, talent, and, perhaps most importantly, networking and building strong relationships.
Networking and building relationships can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. When we make connections with people, we are not only expanding our circle of friends and acquaintances, but we are also gaining access to new opportunities and resources. For example, if you are an aspiring entrepreneur, having a strong network of business contacts can be invaluable in terms of finding investors, getting advice from experienced professionals, and finding new customers.
But how exactly does networking and building relationships increase our chances of creating our own luck? Here are a few key ways:
Exposure to new ideas and opportunities
When we meet new people and make connections, we are exposed to new ideas and perspectives that we may not have considered otherwise. This can lead to new opportunities and avenues for success. For example, if you are a writer, meeting other writers can give you access to new writing groups, workshops, and publishing opportunities that you may not have known about before.
Support and encouragement
Building relationships with people who share our goals and interests can provide us with much-needed support and encouragement. When we are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, having people in our corner who believe in us can give us the motivation we need to keep pushing forward. Additionally, when we have a support network in place, we are more likely to take risks and pursue our goals with confidence, knowing that we have people who will be there to catch us if we fall.
Access to resources
Networking and building relationships can give us access to resources that we might not have had otherwise. For example, if you are looking for a job, having a strong network of professional contacts can give you access to job listings that may not be publicly advertised. Additionally, having a mentor or coach who is willing to share their expertise and knowledge with you can be invaluable in terms of developing your skills and advancing your career.
Collaboration and partnerships
Networking and building relationships can also lead to collaboration and partnerships, which can be extremely beneficial in terms of creating new products or services, expanding our reach, and achieving our goals. For example, if you are a musician, collaborating with other musicians can lead to new creative opportunities and help you reach new audiences.
Credibility and reputation
Finally, networking and building relationships can help us establish credibility and build a strong reputation in our field. When we have connections with people who are respected and well-regarded in our industry, it can help us gain credibility by association. Additionally, when we build strong relationships with our clients and customers, we are more likely to receive positive reviews and recommendations, which can help us build a strong reputation and attract new business.
While luck may seem like a mysterious force beyond our control, we can increase our chances of creating our own luck by networking and building strong relationships. By exposing ourselves to new ideas and opportunities, gaining support and encouragement, accessing resources, collaborating with others, and establishing credibility and reputation, we can create a strong foundation for success. So, if you are looking to achieve your goals and create your own luck, start building relationships and expanding your network today!