Network and Build Authentic Relationships

My parents taught me to network and build authentic relationships whenever possible. You never know how someone you meet may be your next best friend, mentor, or business partner, customer, or raving fan. Networking is underrated so many times. Just like when you first met your best friends, or boyfriend at the time, there are many things you can share to tell your story and what you are all about.

As a business entrepreneur, I am constantly meeting new people and it reminds me of the times my parents taught me about the importance of being yourself. Everyone is unique and has gifts or talents to offer this world. That is why I love meeting new people. What made you fall in love with your spouse?

Your First Date

What kind of information do you share when you first meet someone, let alone your future mate? Usually when we first meet someone, we say our name and what we do for a living. There is so much more that defines who you are though.

Share stories about your past

• Who all is in your family? How many siblings? How did you all get along growing up?
• Did you have to move growing up? If so, what was that like?
• Where did your parents work when you were growing up?
• What were you like in school? Grades? Activities?
• What are some of your past regrets, if any?
• What are some of your past accomplishments in life?
• How do you think where you came from, has shaped who you are?
• Where was the first place you went when you received your driver’s license?
• What was your first apartment like?
• What is your most favorite Christmas present you have ever received?

• Who were your best friends growing up? How did they support you? What did you like to do together?
• What do you miss about the good old days?
• What did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
• What is one of the hardest things you had to say you were sorry for? Why was it so difficult? What was the situation?
• Who was your favorite teacher and why? What was a favorite assignment they had you do?
• If you could change anything about your family, what would it be?
• What were vacations like when you grew up? Which vacation was your favorite and why?
• What were some of your most favorite family traditions?
• What’s the best/worst thing that has ever happened to you?
• What were some of your family rules growing up?

What would you like to teach your children or future great grandchildren about school, friendship, work ethic, etc? When we meet new people, it is important to use questions like these to teach our children how to pick and choose who their friends and influences are around them. Who you are surrounded by in life can influence who you are and what you accomplish in life.

There are so many questions you can ask a partner, friend, or someone special when you meet them to help you network and build authentic relationships. This is just a start. What questions would you encourage your children to ask their friends when they first meet? Write down your answers on the “Message to the Future” letters included in the Baby Time Capsule. Then, when you child grows up and starts making new close friends, let them open their own Baby Time Capsule with special mementos, memories, and these letters in it to read these words of wisdom about how to network and build authentic relationships.

What is one thing you tell someone about you, when you first meet them? Comment below.

Making Milestone Moments Count,

– Marcie