Kati Heifner: 5 Tips to Build Your Network

5 Tips to Build Your Network!
A few years ago...I did not have a lot of quality friendships. Drama, cattiness, jealousy, negativity...YUCK
As we get older, it's hard to make friends outside of the people we work with lol
Luckily I fell into Beachbody & discovered a world where people not only support one another, but that LIFT each other HIGHER.
Surround yourself with people who want to see your succeed, who support your dreams & are there to remind you that failures bring you closer to success.
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” so chose wisely
Whether you just want to make new friends OR you want to build your network for your business...read on!

Get Involved & Join the Fun!
Find some clubs, groups, communities to join with people who share common interests with you!
Surround yourself with like-minded people. (Examples: Rowing Club, Gardening, cooking, book club, mommy club, fitness club, etc..) I've met tons of amazing people when I've taken my dog to puppy school! Volunteering in your community is another way to meet the most incredible people!
Note: To make friends, take an interest in others. Don't make it the "me" show...ask questions & find out more about them.

Build Relationships!
People help & do business with people they know, like and trust! Don't have the "what can I get out of this attitude" Instead, think about how you can help them. To have good friends, you have to BE a good friend.

"Student First, Teacher Second, Servant Always"
This is one of my favorite quotes from Brendan Burchard & it applies whether you are learning a new skills...or just trying to be a better friend.

If you want to excel at something (relationships, business, piano...whatever), you need to practice humility & always have a willingness to learn. Be a student of life! Ditch the ego- you can't learn & grow if you think you know it all or if you think you're the best thing to ever happen LOL If you know someone who is a great conversationalist, ask them what they do! If you know a great gift-giver...ask for their advice!
The most successful people & the people with the best relationships are always willing to learn and then share that information with others. Don't hoard information- be willing to teach!
The day you stop learning...is the day you stop growing & thriving. Become a‘servant-driven leader’ and think, ‘How can I help others?’ (Notice a theme? :P)

Quality Over Quantity.
Instead of focusing on how many friends you can add....focus on building quality relationships!
There is nothing quite like the personal touch. The greatest gift you can give someone is some of your time! I love getting on Skype calls with friends or sending them an audio message on Facebook (if you don't know about this...prepare yourself! On your phone, go to Facebook Messages. Click the paperclip to add attachment & then click the microphone button to record a quick message for them. It's more personal than text & it's quicker!)

Have fun with it! Don't make this a chore, instead use it as an opportunity to open your life up with incredible people and experiences. One of the best things I've ever done was make a decision to start saying "yes" more.
When someone invites you to something...stop making up excuses for why you can't...and JUST GO! I promise you, you will thank yourself! (For inspiration, watch "Yes Man" with Jim Carrey lol)