How do you keep yourself motivated and inspired by your network and your mentor?

How do you keep yourself motivated and inspired by your network and your mentor? Business networking is not only about exchanging contacts, referrals, and opportunities. It is also about building meaningful relationships that can support your personal and professional growth. In this article, you will learn some tips on how to stay motivated and inspired by your network and your mentor, and how to leverage their value for your success.

1 Know your goals

Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why. Your goals will guide your actions and help you focus on the right people and opportunities. They will also help you measure your progress and evaluate your results. Write down your short-term and long-term goals, and review them regularly. Make sure they are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

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2 Find your mentor

A mentor is someone who has more experience and knowledge than you in your field or industry, and who is willing to share their insights, feedback, and advice with you. A mentor can help you navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and accelerate your learning curve. To find a mentor, you need to be proactive, curious, and respectful. Look for someone who has the skills, qualities, and values that you admire and aspire to. Reach out to them, express your interest, and ask for their guidance. Be clear about your expectations, and show your appreciation and commitment.

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Marc W. Halpert

LinkedIn™ laureate; 1:1 coach, group trainer, author, speaker, strategic marketing consultant, over 14+ years. I help serious professionals tell WHY they do what they do, making them "amazing-er" than their competitors!
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Years ago my networking group assigned me a mentor, Mike. Total random pairing. Now almost 20 years later, we are not sure who "ments" whom. We have become good friends, socialize with spouses, and call or email whenever we want, to tap into the other's expertise or opinion. I rely on a few others like him, some with scheduled sessions and others more staccato. I give more than I receive and what goes around more than comes around for me with my entourage of great colleagues!

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3 Build your network

Your network is your net worth. It is a valuable source of information, inspiration, and opportunities. To build your network, you need to be strategic, genuine, and generous. Identify the people who can help you achieve your goals, and who share your interests and passions. Connect with them online and offline, and offer your value and support. Follow up with them, and keep in touch regularly. Be a good listener, and a good communicator. Be open to learn from others, and to share your knowledge and experience.

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4 Seek feedback

Feedback is essential for your improvement and growth. It helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your actions accordingly. Feedback can come from different sources: your mentor, your peers, your clients, your customers, etc. To seek feedback, you need to be humble, receptive, and grateful. Ask for specific, constructive, and honest feedback, and listen carefully. Thank them for their input, and act on it. Show them how you have implemented their suggestions, and how you have improved.

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Dan Bentivenga

Sr. Technical Recruiter | Specialized in Tech & Creative
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Feedback is a great way to continue to grow and hone in your skills. When you're working with a mentor, chances are they're a top performer. They've been there and done that, aka they know what it takes to be successful. Whether it be positive or negative feedback, soak it all in like a sponge and use it to improve yourself.

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5 Celebrate your wins

Celebrating your wins is a great way to boost your motivation and confidence. It helps you acknowledge your achievements, and appreciate your efforts. Celebrating your wins can also inspire others, and strengthen your relationships. To celebrate your wins, you need to be proud, positive, and grateful. Recognize your milestones, and reward yourself. Share your success stories with your network and your mentor, and thank them for their support. Celebrate their wins as well, and congratulate them.

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6 Challenge yourself

Challenging yourself is a powerful way to keep yourself inspired and motivated. It helps you expand your skills, knowledge, and potential. Challenging yourself can also expose you to new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities. To challenge yourself, you need to be curious, adventurous, and resilient. Seek new experiences, and learn new things. Step out of your comfort zone, and take risks. Embrace failure, and learn from it. Seek feedback, and improve yourself.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Noah Perlis, MBA, J.D.

NYC FM Radio - Executive Producer. Nonprofits Pro Bono Consulting.
(edited)
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Triage in everyday life manages limited resources for the greatest net benefit. A fellow mentor shared a clever exception when a new project focused limited resources to help the fraction of underserved population who would succeed regardless of help. This approach was planned for the social services program to show early success leading to significant funding to direct to the large fraction needing help to succeed. Effective altruism strategically employed. Credit to Gabriel B.

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How do you keep yourself motivated and inspired by your network and your mentor?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Know your goals

2 Find your mentor

3 Build your network

4 Seek feedback

5 Celebrate your wins

6 Challenge yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Networking

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How do you keep yourself motivated and inspired by your network and your mentor?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your goals

2 Find your mentor

3 Build your network

4 Seek feedback

5 Celebrate your wins

6 Challenge yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Networking

Rate this article

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