4 Lessons on Cultivating Relationships from the #L2LMixer

Why do you use social media? Really? What’s your reason for creating content, engaging with people, and trying to build a following? Social media is a free marketing tool. It’s a highlight reel and an extension of our passions, hobbies, values and expertise.

 

I think about how my time spent in NYC gave me a leg up when moving to a smaller market like Nashville. I’ve met many people in Music City with a large following and very high engagement. However, they have yet to garner the opportunities that come with living in a big city to work with companies, monetize their content and leverage gigs.

 

When you are in a small market, how do you compete with people for opportunities that often come with living in a big city?

 

Cultivating the right relationships will get you far despite your location. This month’s #L2LMixer, our speakers shared their insight on how they have leveraged specific tools to build their relationships because social currency is EVERYTHING:

 

 

Be visible
We’ve heard it time and time again, but you’ll be surprised by how many people who don’t like to do it or who are afraid to meet new people. However, you have to show up and connect people to expand your network and meet the right people who can help you level up. The in-person connection goes so much further than an email or social media comment.

 

Be vulnerable
Telling the truth about your experiences is another way to cultivate the relationships you want. Authenticity and honesty go a long way when meeting people. Your vulnerability can be the very thing that attracts people to follow you or work with you.

 

Be intentional
Have intentions behind your actions to build a relationship with someone. Don’t waste time if you don’t know why you want to connect with someone. Always know what you need and what you want from people when asking for a moment of their time.

 

Be top of mind
Always check in with people to keep your name on top of mind for opportunities. Some of the people we admire or who are in positions to help us are busy. They meet and connect with hundreds of people every day, so how do you make sure you are not forgotten. Keva Cooper shared she shows up to events where people she wants to build with are speaking. Nada Taha shared that she has a list of contacts that she keeps track of to see when’s the last time she physical met with that person. Whenever she’s in that city, she reaches out to set up dinner or lunch to make sure prospective clients have a moment of her time. For me, I send quarterly emails giving life updates to people and congratulating them on any successes that I have seen from their careers in the news. Every winter, I send a gift thanking them for their support each year.