Mile 62 by MoxiWorks Issue XXVI | Page 5

Here at MoxiWorks, we have such an abundance of signature sayings and mantras that we’ve practically created our own language.

While each and every one of them contributes to the culture and environment that we’re all fortunate enough to be a part of, there’s one in particular that we truly value to our core.

That saying is simply: “Think outside the building.”

Giving back to our communities is something that should be a top priority year-round, but as the chilly winter months arrive, it’s especially important to go above and beyond with what we do for others.

MILE 62 / 4

Grow Your Sphere of Influence

I remember hearing a story of an auction where the Rolodex of a famous television writer was sold for a very large sum of money. It occurred to me that every name and number in there was individually available on the internet, but what made the Rolodex valuable was its network of relationships that had played in the celebrity’s career. Each connection had been carefully cultivated, each person individually nurtured, and over time, this “database” had played a crucial role in the success of a Hollywood legend.

We live in an age of networks, and while our technical connectivity can help us stay informed, organized and productive, our personal connections are the real key to success. So, the first job for high-achieving professionals is to expand their sphere of influence every day by strengthening existing relationships and making selective acquaintances that can grow into new ones. Here are some ideas for expanding both the quantity and quality of your network.

Strengthen the Starting Points. Each of us starts with our natural network of relationships, including friends, family, and current and former acquaintances. Many experts say this group should include about 150 strong relationships that form the basis of a lifelong network. For many professionals, adding the first 50 key contacts to their database is easy; it’s probably the same as your smartphone directory or personal holiday card list. After that, you have to dig deep to expand the list to include

By: Matthew Ferrara