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Hey Iza,
I get asked this question quite often…
Colin, how did you get connected to these big names you’ve collaborated and worked with?
People like Amy Porterfield, Jenna Kutcher, Anthony O'Neal and Carrie Green etc?"
Here's the honest answer nobody wants to hear: I paid to be in the same room as them.
I didn't bribe anyone. I didn't slide cash under a door.
I paid to be in masterminds, group programs, and conferences where these people were. Then I didn't act like a fan. I acted like a peer.
Because here's the truth about building a valuable network: most people are too scared, too needy, or too weird about it to actually do it right.
They either won't invest in being in the room, or they show up acting like they're meeting their hero instead of their future business friend.
And the result? They stay stuck in a network of people exactly like them - trying to figure it out, hoping someone notices them, waiting for opportunities to fall from the sky.
I would say more than 50% of my business success has come from relationships and friendships I've intentionally built in this industry.
This week's episode breaks down how to build a highly valuable network without being creepy, needy, or manipulative - and why the hallways at conferences are where the real magic happens.
Listen now: Episode 316 | How to Build A Highly Valuable Network
[NEW] Watch the Episode on Youtube Here
Here's what we unpack and how to apply it immediately:
1. Pay to be in the room (this is non-negotiable)
Most of the influential relationships in your life will require you to invest money to be in proximity. Not paying the person directly, but paying to be in a mastermind, program, or event where they are. Almost every major friendship or partnership that changed Colin's business came from paying to be in a room. The ones who won't invest in being around the right people stay stuck networking with people who also can't afford to be in the room.
2. Come from abundance, not scarcity (people can smell neediness from a mile away)
When you walk into a networking opportunity thinking "I need opportunities, I need people to like me, I need connections," you repel exactly what you want. Instead, decide ahead of time: I have enough. I have value to offer. I'm abundant. When you come from that energy, you build magnetic relationships. When you come from neediness, people avoid you. You're not a fan - you're a peer. Act like it.
3. Put money in the bank for people (without being weird about it)
Set time in your calendar every 60 days to reach out to people you want to stay connected with. Start with Instagram DMs (a quick voice note, 60 seconds max, checking in). If they respond, move to WhatsApp or Voxer. Eventually text messages. Don't be creepy. Don't send 19-minute voice notes. Just check in, give an update, ask how they're doing. When they come through your area, they'll text you to meet up. That's how you know it's working.
4. The hallway hack (where the influential people actually hang out)
When you go to a conference, make it 80% about meeting people and 20% about the content. Here's the secret: during the sessions, don't sit in your seat. Go to the hallways. You know who hangs out in the hallways during sessions? The most influential people. Everyone else is inside trying to gather information. The people who already have the information are outside building relationships. (Obviously if you come to Colin's events, stay in the session. This is for everyone else's events.)
If you've been wondering why your network isn't opening doors for you, it's probably because you either haven't invested to be in the right rooms, or you're showing up like a fan instead of a peer.
Your network is your net worth. But only if you build it intentionally.
>>> LISTEN ALL PODCAST PLATFORMS: Episode 316 | How to Build A Highly Valuable Network
>>> iTunes ONLY: Episode 316 | How to Build A Highly Valuable Network
To building relationships from abundance,
Colin "Hallway Networking" Boyd
P.S. If you haven't checked out Conversion Story Formula yet, it's one of the most powerful ways to design and deliver your story in a way that attracts clients. Check it out at conversionstoryformula.com.
P.P.S. If you’re already running an established coaching business and are ready to start scaling up, I’ve put a bit of time aside to have a conversation with some people who are ready to use speaking to grow their business. If you wanna have a chat, just hit reply with the word “ELITE”.
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