#25 How to build high-quality networks to improve your work and personal life with Kristan De Sousa

IntroWelcome to episode 25 of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast. I am so pleased to have on the show today Kristan De Sousa. Kristan's passion is to partner with business through significant transformation and change. Kristan has dedicated her career to talent management, helping organisations obtain and retain talented employees. Kristan has developed approaches to building networks to achieve excellence in this area. We could say the world runs by networks as much now, as it always has.  SummaryHow does Kristan build a high-quality network?1.     Being curious about others is essential. To put yourself out there and engage other people, no matter where you are. And to focus on others, rather than on yourself. Look to understand them and find ways that you may be able to help.2.     Realise that it is a long game. If you go to market, in a personal (e.g., making friends) or professional sense, and are focusing on what you want in the short term, you will fail. It takes time to build quality connections. 3.     It is hard work - sometimes pushing yourself to act in a moment to hold up your end of the deal. It takes effort to build and then sustain your network. Keep in touch with your network, helping real people, and offering high value.2020 was a year where Kristan saw many people out of work, and who subsequently lost their connection and network. Kristan is preparing to develop a new online platform called 'Mindova' (think mind over matter) to improve people's lives in a really achievable way. It is based on traditional in-person networking approaches and aims to help people build connections through activities to improve their lives or keep their lives on track. We can update you of when this is going live and will interview Kristan again at that time so that she can explain it all to us.  Thank you for a great show, Kristan, on building quality networks. We wish you all the very best for the launch of your platform Mindova, and may it help to create a better future. Quotes17:53min get up, walk to a table. Make it a mandate that every time you go to a party, a function, meet one person you don't know.19:46min it's pretty remarkable how your world will open up if you could do 12 of those a year, you know, and one of those people then became someone that you knew and that you helped each other or supported each other through life. How much better would your life be?21:51min so who am I really going to help when they need it? And they're likely going to be the people that, A, I understand how I can help them and B, I understand who they are. And I want to sacrifice my time, which is pretty precious, to then go and actually contribute to their life.28:47min when you help others, without anything in it for yourself, you naturally create advocates.LinksKristan's LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/kristan-de-sousa-5531a02Website: sixdegreesexecutive.com.au  (Six Degrees Executive)Email: [email protected] TakeawaysHumans have grown thanks to connecting with others biologically and socially across the eternity of life on the planet. Let's do more than social media connection and go deeper and connect with people we don't know and build a better life.My key takeaways from this episode are:1.     Care about others2.     Work hard for your network3.     Find a coach or mentorTo learn more about what we do, visit https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.