You Have to Know What You Want
If you’ve been following me for any length of time you know that building strong relationships matters. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what you really want from those connections? It might sound simple, but clarity about what you want is the secret ingredient that transforms casual networking into meaningful relationship wealth.
For many of us, especially those of us with some, ahem, life experience, clarity isn’t automatic. We’ve spent years focused on what was expected, raising families, paying bills, keeping steady jobs, for so long that we lose touch with our own desires. Then something shifts. Maybe the kids grow up, a parent passes away, or a job ends. Suddenly, you look around and realize the life you’re living isn’t quite the one you imagined. This isn’t a crisis; it’s an awakening. And it’s the perfect moment to get clear about what you want next.
What do you want your relationships to do for you? Are you longing for friends because your social circle has shrunk or always revolved around your kids’ activities? Maybe you’re craving a deeper sense of community that you overlooked when you had your head down working. Or you’re thinking about a career change or business growth, and you know connections will be crucial but who exactly do you need to know, and why?
Getting clear on these questions changes everything. It shapes where you spend your time, how you show up, and the kinds of relationships you build. Without clarity, networking can feel overwhelming and even icky. You might find yourself at big events handing out business cards like candy, hoping something sticks. Worse, people might see you as salesy or self-serving because you haven’t built trust or offered value first. That’s why so many people dislike “networking.”
But when you know what you want, building relationships becomes a deliberate and energizing process. You seek out people who align with your goals and values. Your conversations feel more genuine because you’re not just collecting contacts; you’re cultivating connection. Clarity acts as a compass guiding your social capital strategy
What if you don’t have that clarity yet? Don’t worry. You can start by doing more of what you enjoy. Put yourself in situations that make you happy and where you naturally meet people who share your interests. When you’re in a good frame of mind, your best self shines through, and authentic connections follow even before you’ve nailed down your exact goals.
Reflection is key as you go. After events or activities, take time to notice how you feel. Are you energized or drained? Are the people you’re attracting supportive and uplifting? If not, it’s a sign to rethink your approach or dig deeper into what you really want. This ongoing awareness helps you fine-tune your goals and your network.
Relationship wealth is a powerful tool. It can help you build amazing things, whether that’s a thriving business, a supportive community, or lasting friendships. Make sure the things you build make your heart sing. Because when your relationships align with your true desires, connection changes everything.
Let’s Keep Building Together
If this post spoke to you, imagine what could happen when you start growing your world with intentional connection. Whether you want to deepen your relationships, create new opportunities, or simply feel more supported, I’m here to help.
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Let’s turn connection into progress together.
