80% of job opportunities are found through networking but where do you start, right? Especially when you are venturing off into a new career field and you don’t know anyone. I dug deep for this 4-week challenge to bring you some new actions to grow your network. In Love Your Career Formula, we have what seems like a million networking strategies to use, but if you haven’t joined us yet, this will get you started on the right track.

I wanted to make this challenge was different and that we get to the real heart of networking that is so often missed. So this is perfect for you if you are feeling stuck and don’t know where to start. What we are going to focus on for the next four weeks are the four mindsets of networking you need to have along with one little action each week that enforces that new mindset.

How to Double Your Network in 4 Weeks

Week 1: Serve With What You Do Best

When networking with others at events or other occasions, many people hand out their cards and apparently “network” when they actually miss the point, their mindset isn’t right! Do you know the Golden Rule of Networking? Networking is not about how others can help you. Instead, networking is about how you can help others.

In other words, you have to be able to give in order to get assistance. Reach out to others and connect with them. Always start by giving assistance when you can. Write a recommendation for someone on LinkedIn, introduce him or her to someone in your network that might be able to help them or share a news article you found. Paying it forward really does work. These same people you help will be happy to help you when you need it in the future. They will also be more inclined to introduce you to other people that can help you. (Win!)

Your action this week:

1. Make a list of all of your strengths and the tasks you enjoy doing.

2. Reach out to at least 3 people to see if you can help them with what you do best. Serve.

Your dream job isn’t something you have to search for. It’s within you. Start serving with what you do best. It’s not overnight to create a large network of meaningful and authentic relationships. But the first key is to support others first. Cheer others on. Be part of their transformation, growth and success. You will soon see that you will be supported and your network expanding.

Week 2: Attract the Right People

Whenever I hear someone say, “I hate networking,” or “I am no good at networking,” I know that person doesn’t have the right frame of mind to be an effective networker.

You may have heard of the law of attraction. It got a lot of publicity with the book and movie, The Secret. The law of attraction says that everything coming in your life, you are attracting. You have to make it clear in your mind what you want because you attract what you think about most. Thoughts become things. If you focus on what you want, you’ll get more of it. If you focus on what you don’t want, you’ll get more of it.

If you focus on how much you hate networking and how awful at networking you are, you’ll never attract the right people into your life to actually help you change your career and reach your goals. Instead, focus on attracting the people you need to get the job you WANT and stay positive. Also, be grateful for your current network and everyone in it.

Here’s your action this week:
1. Keep a networking gratitude journal this week and every day write down one person in your life that you are thankful for and why.

2. Practice saying the below networking affirmations daily this week. I recommend first thing in the morning and right before you go to bed. Even better, write them on a notecard and say them throughout your day.

-My network is multiplying every day.

-I help people in my network achieve their goals and objectives.

-I connect to new contacts everywhere I go.

[RELATED: Affirmations to Repeat Daily]

Week 3: Find Your Long Lost Friend

If you are worried you are bugging other people, it could be how you are introducing yourself. Are you asking for something immediately? Focus on partnerships and relationships always.

Networking is all about building relationships. I don’t think of networking as a way to get more sales or a job offer. I think of networking as how I can meet new people and help them. I network so that we can grow together and improve our careers and businesses together. That is key.

I want to go to a networking event where I can find meaningful relationships and partnerships to support each other. Change your mindset. People do want to help you. You aren’t bugging them. Go with the attitude of serving and helping others first and you’ll always win in the end.

Your Action:

Plan ahead for next month. Who have you been saying you are going to contact or who are you scared to contact? Now pretend like they are your long lost friend. Email this person and show up like they have the secret of what you need to move forward in their pocket. That simple mindset will make all the difference when out networking.

Make a networking plan to meet with 2 people that you already know and 2 people that you don’t know. Call or email these people to see if they would be interested in meeting with you over the next few weeks. Remember that you don’t have to meet these people in person, you can always practice your interview skills over the phone also.

The secret to succeeding in this networking plan is planning AHEAD of time. If you plan out NOW who you are going to meet with next month, you will easily meet with 4 people and enjoy it because you won’t be stressed. So take out that journal, make a plan and start emailing your growing network! THEY HAVE WHAT YOU NEED TO MOVE FORWARD. Don’t wait any longer.

Week 4: Network Strategically

Most of us fall short when it comes to the strategic. Who you know will most definitely make a difference in finding your dream job. It will influence what jobs you have access to and what level of success you can achieve.

Research has shown that people who work with others to reach their goals have a higher chance of success. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” -Jim Rohn

Start networking strategically. It’s time to find a group of women who can help you reach your goals.

Your Action:

Option 1. Think of one person in your life who is also working towards their dreams and goals too. Ask them to be your accountability partner.

Option 2: Make a list of 4-6 people you already know that are working towards their goals too. Ask them if they want to be in a mastermind group with you.

[RELATED: How to Start Yor Own Mastermind]

If you do either of these options, it will change your life.