Everyone has connections. The key is to maximize your connections so that you are able to enlarge your network, increase your influence and expand your knowledge. In my experience I have learned 6 important things to do in order to grow the connections in my life!

1. Don’t overlook the connections that are right in front of you. Often we’re so busy chasing the “major influencers” in our area of expertise, that we dismiss valuable connections. There are a few people in my life (people who are extremely important to my journey) that I almost missed. Take a few minutes and scan your current connections; you’ll find there are highly skilled, incredibly intelligent people all around you that are crucial to your purpose!

2. Focus on turning connections into relationships. In order to truly maximize a connection we have to take the time to get to know the person. People are much more willing to add value to you when it’s not simply a business transaction. Make a conscious effort to pursue a relationship with your connections. Make it a point to know who they are, what they’re passionate about, and what they are doing in their field to bring about change. You’ll find that life is much more fun when you’re doing it with someone!

3. Listen. Everybody you meet these days has something to say. If you’re always the first to speak, you’ll never learn anything! Ask questions and wait for a response. Be genuinely interested in the wisdom they have gained through education and experience. Humility goes a long way! Take a minute, put your ego aside and make a commitment to simply listen.

4. Show honor to their story. Honor and respect are a lost art that I want to perfect in my relationships. As you cultivate your connections express gratitude and show sincere interest in who they are. Your current connections are not just stepping-stones that you trudge across to get to the your next connections; they are bridges that should not be burned. So, as you gain favor and doors of opportunity are opened to you, always remember this: Favor gets the connection, but honor keeps it.

5. Bring value to the connection. Any relationship that is all take and no give is eventually going to fail. Mike Kafka, who writes for entrepreneur, said it this way, “The connections you make, either business or personal, are more likely to help you in the future if you helped them in the past.” Share people’s ideas, thoughts, and products on social media and other venues. Connect them to people within your network that can help them get to the next level. Be intentional about giving them value and it will pay huge dividends very soon!

6. Ask for the next connection. As your relationship progresses the opportunity will come for you to ask for the next connection. When you show that you’re valuable, but remain humble, it will open the door for you to continue to grow your network.

Everyone has connections. Maximize your connections and you will see your network become a vehicle that will thrust you into your greatest potential!