How do you create a sphere of influence, a network or even find one friend when you are in a brand new place?
When I moved to Myrtle Beach I knew two people, my daughter and my husband. And guess what… they moved with me! Most people from “back home” had encouraged me to make friends with other moms, however, this tactic has never worked for me.
My daughter has tried out 13 various sports and, while, I provided snacks and cheered from the sidelines – mom friends never came my way. The next idea – make friends with people from work. My husband works from home and his employees are 1-4 hours away, that idea wasn’t going to stick either. I also chose to start my real estate career in a small boutique agency which did not lead to much networking or community involvement either.
What was a girl to do? I went back to my roots, the very same roots that were instilled in me from early on. It was the outside the box ideas that propelled me in my previous business so that’s what I started to do again. I paid to attend events where I would have to interact with others. I also wore a shirt that said: “Wanna Buy A House” that created conversations without the awkward lead-in. I joined a larger real estate company that had partners that I could get to know. I blasted videos on social media so others could find and connect with me.
The most important piece of the puzzle was that I made myself available to connect with others. I did not shy away from opportunities where I would meet new people.
Other pieces of advice… Start to frequent the same places and get to know local business owners by name, you will start to feel more at home when people know and recognize you. Offer to help others or buy coffee and set dates to fill your calendar and be a part of your life.
Keep trying and I promise that it will eventually snowball and before you know it you will have a well-established network of people that adore you.
