Get to Know People

So you want something—badly. That job, or a bigger house, or a decent holiday, or a calmer outlook on life, or a crucial deal at work, or a decent care package for your elderly father. Whatever it is you need, you’re going to struggle to get it without any support. Whether it’s at work or at home, from officials or neighbors or your kids’ school, you’ll find it a whole lot easier with people on your side.

This is always going to be true, before you even know what it is you might want next year or in five years” time. The more of a network you have, the better chance of finding someone to give you the leg-up you need. It’s far harder to get what you want if you’re a recluse, you know.

So go on, get out there, meet people. Get to know your colleagues—go for the occasional drink after work even if it’s not really your thing. Turn up to a residents’ meeting or a school parents’ party or an event at the health club. Chat to people, find out more about them, even offer them help if you find someone who could use your support. One day you’ll find you need someone who understands cars, or knows a local state representative, or has dealt with a particular customer before, or can tell you how to apply for something, or will nominate you for a committee, or can put you in touch with a good lawyer, or will put a word in with the finance director. And the more people you’re on good terms with, the more likely it is you’ll know just the person you need.