Connections are a large part of what keeps businesses not only surviving, but also growing. The reality is that people still prefer to do business with their friends because there is always more trust involved. Good relationships lead to success, happiness and eventually wealth. The more people who gravitate to you personally, the more solid your connections will be.

If you have been in business for some years, it is probable that many of the connections that you had at the start are not in your current circle. The fact of the matter is that as your business grows so does your circle of connections and it is not unusual for prior connections to drop by the wayside as you move ahead. All of your connections, whether past or present, have had an influence on you and the way you run your business. Your connections are the people you rely on for information and also for support. They are the people who encourage you and help you with ideas and very often help you to realize them. The reason it is important to have connections is not only to help you to move ahead, but to help you build relationships so that when the right time comes along to make that next jump, you have the support necessary to take you to the next level.

Connecting The Dots

It is important to recognize who your connections are. Take a minute to sit down and write out the names of people you are currently connected with and how their connection to you is working in a positive or negative way for your business. Hopefully all of your connections are positive, but if there are any that are not, then it is time to move away from them.

You can really make connections anywhere. It might be at a get together or event having to do with dance or it could be in a totally different setting. You never know where a connection may lead and I am sure that sometimes you will be amazed at how things seem to come together in a mysterious way. As I always say, 'Birds of a feather flock together!' and in my experience this is always true. Like-minded people are always attracted to each other. Of course not every connection you make is going to be great, but it is only by constantly making an effort to connect and network with people that you are going to be able to step up to the next level.

Adding To Your Connections

So how can you connect to people in the most favorable way?

People are generally attracted to something or someone who is valuable, so look at ways that you can make yourself more valuable to others. Everyone wants to know how you can help them, what you can do to assist them to become happier and more successful. Parents want it for their children and for themselves. They want you to enrich both their and their children’s lives. Business connections also very often want to see what you can do for them. The more that you are able to offer them, the more they will be willing to stand behind you and help you take that next step.

·        Projecting self image in a way that gives confidence to others is very important in any business. In the studio setting the way you smile at customers will reflect very positively on you and will encourage everyone around you to smile. It is like laughter in that it can be very infectious.

·        The way you dress and carry yourself will also give people confidence. If you look secure and confident, then people are more likely to trust your judgment on issues—that’s just the way life works.

·        Being prepared is a great asset. The majority of people are under prepared or unprepared. Taking the time to make sure that you are ready and able to act on whatever task is at hand will help with your connections and will impress upon them that you are a person of value.

·        Are you able to look people in the eye during a conversation? If you struggle with that, then it is something you need to overcome. People will not want to connect with you if they feel that you are unable to look them directly in the eye and certainly for teaching it is imperative that you are able to look your students right in the eye when talking to them.

·        Another way to keep good connections is to follow through with your promises. As the old saying goes, 'Actions speak louder than words.' If your reputation is that you are always known to be a person of your word, that alone will have great value. People will always feel that they can depend upon you.

·        Finally, the most important thing that will help you with your connections is to be yourself. Be real and genuine and people will gravitate toward you and treat you the same way. Those that are unable to do so will simply feel threatened by your positive and open presence.

There are so many reasons to connect, both personally and professionally. Connecting with the right people will enhance your life and bring you the rewards that you are hoping for.