Your Network Reflects Your Net Worth

Are you building the right community around you to support your personal and professional goals?

In childhood, friendships naturally develop with classmates, neighborhood peers, or fellow members of your community. There is no need to search beyond your immediate social circle to find friendship. Often, these friendships mirror your parents' socioeconomic status, as your living and educational environments influence the children with whom you interact with.

As you get older, you encounter a diverse array of individuals from various backgrounds, nationalities, and economic statuses. You experience the excitement of connecting with experts in specific fields, enjoy the company of witty and enthusiastic individuals, and embrace the adventurous spirit of spontaneous travelers. The variety of intriguing people is limitless. You suddenly have the remarkable ability to choose the communities and friends that most captivate and inspire you.

So how do you go about choosing the right network for you? While you work out who you want to be in your 20's, it is essential for both personal and professional growth to figure out the right influences who can significantly impact your short and long term financial goals.

Here are 10 steps in ensuring your network positively influences your net worth.

1. Define your goals and values. Surround yourself with people who share similar values and goals.

2. Strengthen your inner circle. Leverage your family and friends as a source of advice, support, and opportunities.

3. Attend networking events. Participate in events that relate to your interests and goals and find mentors and like minded people.

4. Utilize social media. Build your social network and join online communities that relate to your goals and interests.

5. Find mentors and advisors. Be coachable and receptive to learning.

6. Add value. Don’t expect everyone to help you without reciprocating. Build goodwill and support others.

7. Diversify. Seek out people with skills that complement your goals and expand your perspective.

8. Stay in touch. Building a network is work. Follow up and nurture relationships you value.

9. Use time strategically. Balance socializing and learning, and prioritize friendships that help you grow personally or professionally.

10. Be authentic. No one likes to feel used or taken advantage of. Make friends for the right reasons and intentions.

Have you started building your network in Dubai? A supportive community can make all the difference in boosting your morale both personally and professionally. Go out there and make a new friend today!