PURPOSEFUL HUSTLE BLOG

INSPIRATION TO HELP YOU... LIVE WITH MORE PURPOSE

Getting out of your comfort zone

Posted by Deanna Singh | May 17, 2021 9:45:00 AM

It’s not always easy to put yourself out there, especially if you’re already surrounded by a supportive community of people who want to see you live into your purpose.

But meeting new people and expanding our network is essential to growth.

Especially if you are looking for more support and encouragement in pursuing your purpose, I cannot overstress how important is to find YOUR people.


Below are my pro-tips for expanding your social circle.

Getting more comfortable with meeting new people, even in a personal sense, will set you up to confidently make the new professional connections that will take your purpose to the next level.

 

1. Pick Five

Pick five people you want to meet, and then reach out to them.

You can make your list based off of what industries you want to explore, what companies you are interested in, people who you have been watching from afar, and people you are inspired by.

Follow through!! Send them a message on LinkedIn. Ask your friend to make an introduction. Give them a cold call.

If you are thoughtful and genuinely interested in learning from someone, odds are they will be flattered and happy to engage with you if their schedule allows.

 

2. go to an event

Find an event that is happening in your area or a gathering happening online.

I like to use Facebook, word of mouth, flyers at coffee shops, Eventbrite, or other social media to see what’s going on around the city.

When you find something interesting, go BY YOURSELF, and commit to talking to three other people. You already have something in common based on the fact that you were both drawn to this event for some reason.

 

3. small challenges

If the above ideas are too big, give yourself small challenges.

One day, smile at every person you meet. The person in the car next to you, the person walking towards you, the person in front of you in line for coffee - smile at them! Not only will this help you meet some new people, but it will also make you feel REALLY good.

When I was in college, I use to hand out little cards that said something like "You have won a Free Smile Pass - Feel free to use it wherever!" It sounds corny, and it totally was. But it also was so fun!

Another simple goal is to make a point to speak to everyone on the elevator. Or talk to the person that you see every day already—think baristas, the guy at the parking structure, the crossing guard at your kid’s school—just add one or two more sentences to your normal “Good morning" exchange.

If you do these small things, will it lead to the greatest relationship of your life? Maybe not! OR maybe so? It’s a small step for a potentially great payoff.


By making connections with those you interact with regularly, even in what may seem like an insignificant capacity, you’ll also feel more involved in your community and more confident when you encounter new people who share your passion for making the world a better place.

 

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in April 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Topics: Skills, Life, Plan, Career, Initiative, Friends, Networking

Written by Deanna Singh

Deanna Singh is a business consultant, speaker, and podcaster who is internationally recognized for her work in leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Deanna helps her clients create more equitable and inclusive work environments and engage more authentically within their internal and external communities. A gifted communicator, she is a champion for marginalized communities through her work. Her podcast, Uplifting Impact with a focus on looking at the intersection of Leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, focuses on solutions and is directed at people who want to break the status quo. Singh earned her Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Fordham University, a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University, a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University.

Leave a Comment

Subscribe

New Call-to-action
New Call-to-action
Actions Speak Louder | Uplifting Impact
New Call-to-action
New Call-to-action

Recent Posts

X