How To: Engage, Connect & Build Relationships Online
Q. How do I meaningfully engage online, develop connections and build relationships?
Simply put, the same way you connect and develop relationships in real life, in person - through effort. It's a reciprocal process of give and take.
Let's break it down into the core pillars.
1. Start with Interest
Take a step back and understand why you want to connect with someone and what about them makes it seem worthwhile. Chances are, there's something of interest. That can be something you have in common, something that you can provide them, something they can provide you, an insight they shared or an experience they've had.
That initial point of attraction is where the relationship begins because it is the first point where a conversation opens.
2. Be Authentic
You need to be yourself. Show who you are, what you have to offer and what you're all about. Whether easy or hard to spot, being 'fake' or disingenuous catches up with you. Plus, operating based off of that doesn't give much room for growth.
Now, leading with who you are on a genuine level leads to connections that are real, support that is real, collaboration and growth.
We all need cheerleaders in life. Be one and give room to those that are there to champion you.
3. Check-In
As with any friendship, 'keeping up' is a core part of how a relationship progresses. Active listening drives conversations forward, it leads to new conversations and it's the foundation of where a bond is built.
This is also the stage where a reciprocal relationship of give and take is integral as relationships need to be nurtured. Each party needs to have an interest in how the other is doing, in updates, in next steps, in support.
You can show interest and you can be authentic but without checking in, the connection stays an acquaintance. Perhaps a nice and pleasant one, but nothing more.
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So, if you're thinking of reaching out to someone online in hopes of fostering a relationship, really understand that it's a long game that leads to a lot of opportunity and support. But, you need to be willing to put the work in.
All that said, this conversation did start with a simple question - HOW do you engage, meaningfully, online. So, for those in need of a crash course to get started on Instagram, to build your infrastructure and to engage, download your FREE guide here.
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Don't wait until next time. Let's connect...my inbox is always open!
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Cheers to being on pointe!
