Creating the Success Habit of Networking

Do you remember the time and effort you put into learning to walk? Probably not; and yet you do it effortlessly every day.

For most of us walking is a simple activity we do easily with out too much effort.  But at one time it was a difficult challenge that we had to overcome.  When a child begins to walk they began by crawling and then they pull themselves up and take a few tentative steps.  At first this is followed by a stumble and a fall.  Then after a while they try again and eventually become skilled at it. Eventually, much to mom and dad’s chagrin, the child is easily running around the house getting into mischief.

Ah ha!  Success!

Scientist and doctors tell us this is quite a feat. Coordinating the hundreds of muscles required for balancing ourselves up-right and then propelling ourselves forward is a very complicated process.  With practice and time we mastered the skill and made it an every day habit. When we want to get off the couch to pick up a book or answer the door we don’t stop to think about how to perform this balancing act, we simply stand up and walk to where we want to go. Now of course, we could crawl if we chose to, but we have learned that walking is much more efficient, practical and socially acceptable. So we’ve chosen to make a habit of walking from place to place.

So what was the secret to mastering the skill of walking?

The reality is that there were several factors involved in process of learning to walk. It was more than simply learning to control the muscles to balance and move forward. We had to begin with motivation, a purpose, and some incentive that would compel us to take on the effort. Usually this incentive comes in the form of a supportive and enthusiastic cheering section -- mom and dad. Our parents encouraged us and showed us what to do, and with their support we continued practicing until we got good at it.

How about driving a car? That required a whole new set of skills that must be mastered to be able to drive an automobile. And yet, millions of us have turned those skills into second nature.

One of the most important factors driving this success was the self-motivation to succeed. But, in this scenario, it wasn’t the act of driving the car that motivated us so much as it was the places we could go and the things we could do once we got there.

Think about it. The feelings we associated with driving the car were the sense of freedom, accomplishment, pride, independence and the exciting possibilities of new adventures.  So, as we meticulously practiced the steps necessary to skillfully drive a car, we didn’t even notice how much effort it took to achieve the goal.  We simple did what we needed to and made all the actions a habit.

How can you use this in business?

For most of us, walking is a simple activity we do easily. But, as with all things, it was a skill that had to be mastered over time and with a lot of practice. Now it’s habit to stand up, balance, lean forward and put one foot in front of the other.

The beauty of understanding this concept, is that we can apply the same principals to everything else we desire in life. To achieve any goal you have to understand what steps and skills are required to reach it. Then you have to apply those steps and practice the skills over and over. Before long, taking those steps and performing the skills become habit. Eventually, the steps and the skills become a natural part of your life as the goal is achieved.

Do you have a habit for your marketing plan?

Or do you try a random hit and miss approach? A successful plan requires a regular set of tactics that you follow habitually. You can create habits in your life that will make opportunities to spread the word about your business easy and effortless.

If you’re like most people you have a morning routine that has become habit. You would never think of leaving your house in the morning without brushing your teeth, washing, getting dressed, and checking to make sure you have your phone and planner. So why would you go to a networking meeting once in a while without your cards, brochures, elevator speech and a plan in mind that you repeat effortlessly by habit?

Well, now that you know the process you can apply it to other areas of your life. Positive habits for health, career, finance, and relationships can all be created the same way as learning to walk!

So go ahead; decide on a goal, stand up, balance, lean forward a little, and then put one foot in front of the other until you create the habit of success and achieve your goals.