5 ways to build your sphere of influence

Networking is an important part of any career. It’s critical within the workplace as you connect with the team that will help you excel. It’s crucial for your career development both within and outside the workplace walls. It can even play a big role in ensuring the success of a business.

Researchers have studied how people feel about professional networking and overall, it’s not typically something people tend to enjoy. It can even make some professionals feel a little awkward. Yet, in real estate, which is where I’ve made my business, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that agents get nearly 20 percent of their business from referrals alone.

Referrals are so important to business, and it’s just as important to build your sphere of influence and do it in a way that it feels right to you. You may be asking yourself if that is achievable? I’m here to tell you it is. And here are the 5 ways you can do it.

There are many benefits to joining an organization. Whether they are professional organizations or groups you are deeply passionate about, membership in these groups is a great way to build an incredible network that will support you.

You’ll want to begin by joining professional organizations that make the most sense for your career. For Realtors, that may be your local Realtors Association or the NAR. These organizations are great for helping you get ahead in your career through education and mentorship opportunities. If you have a Chamber of Commerce that is highly engaged with its members, you may want to consider joining there as well. Your university’s alumni association likely offers networking benefits, so keep that in mind as you consider where to place your efforts.

In addition, you’ll want to start thinking about what organizations you can join that you believe in and where you can meet like-minded professionals. You may want to explore an organization like the Junior League, where you can give back while building leadership skills. Rotary Club is another organization that provides humanitarian service and leadership opportunities, and networking for its members. Build your sphere of influence with people who are passionate about the same things as you, and you’ll soon become each others’ biggest allies.

One of the best ways to get to know people is to give your time back to your community. You may be interested in giving time to your church. You may want to build homes for Habitat for Humanity. Maybe you’d prefer to organize a charity event for a homeless shelter. These are all great ways to connect with others who are dedicated to helping others, and that means you likely want to be in each other’s network. You’ll also feel incredible about what you’re doing.

Make sure you are honest with yourself about your capacity, though. If your workload only allows you to spend a day or two a month volunteering, don’t overcommit. These organizations need passionate individuals who are willing to do hard work behind the scenes. Make sure those teams know what you can handle so they stay positive about you as well.

You have knowledge and insights about many subjects. Think about that as you consider ways to engage your current network, as well as the network you hope to build. If you’re not currently using the online content tools you have available to you, including social media, your website, an email newsletter—or even snail mail—change that. Digital spaces and newsletters are great places to share your ideas and find like-minded individuals who would be great additions to your sphere of influence.

Sharing ideas in digital spaces means you may just expand your network further than you may have imagined. You could suddenly have regional, state-wide, and even global connections. You never know where your next lead might come from!

Are there people who have been incredibly important to you through your journey? It could have been at the start of your teenage years, someone who was influential to you in college, your mom’s best friend, or a coworker. Be sure to give them space in your heart and mind. If you see they’re celebrating a milestone, they got a new pet, or that they have had a loved one who is ill, speak up. Tell them you’re thinking about them. It will go a long way toward ensuring your network of supporters remembers you, too.

When you receive a lead or referral, be sure to thank the person who sent that lead your way. It can be a simple gesture, like sending a card or buying them a cup of coffee. But if you have someone who is consistently keeping your pipeline full, consider doing something a little bigger. A personalized gift is a generous way to say thanks and acknowledge their role in your success. And it’s worth the effort to make them feel incredible knowing they’ve chosen an outstanding person to support.

As you cultivate your network and encourage others to think about the network they’re building as well, keep in mind that you’re doing more than simply building a sphere of influence. You’re also building a culture of care and inspiration within your group.

Jim Allen is a business leader and entrepreneur who has built one of the top-producing real estate groups in the Triangle. He is President of The Jim Allen Group, which is consistently named one of the top real estate teams in North Carolina and even North America.