{"id":2667,"date":"2025-05-07T17:00:01","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T17:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/?p=2667"},"modified":"2025-05-26T10:54:37","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T10:54:37","slug":"creating-connections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/creating-connections\/","title":{"rendered":"Convert Connections into Trusted-Champion Relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Forming meaningful connections can be a game-changer for your professional journey. The first step on the path to creating <a href=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/building-champion-relationships\/\">five (5) Trusted-Champion Relationships<\/a> lies in the initial connection with another H7 member. Let&#8217;s explore how to make these connections impactful and ensure they lead to fruitful collaborations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/h7-network.mn.co\/posts\/training-resources-tools-step-1-the-initial-connection-with-another-member-83974576\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more at Training, Resources, &amp; Tools in Town Square<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image2667_9cdd80-fc .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image2667_9cdd80-fc\"><figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Power-of-Initial-Connections.png\" alt=\"The first step on the path to creating five (5) Trusted-Champion Relationships lies in the initial connections with another H7 member.\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-2669\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Power-of-Initial-Connections.png 500w, https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Power-of-Initial-Connections-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Power-of-Initial-Connections-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Power-of-Initial-Connections-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Power of Initial Connections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The foundation of any successful relationship begins with the initial connection. Imagine attending a meeting and identifying someone who shares your target market\u2014a professional who could potentially be a valuable ally. This moment is a golden opportunity to engage in a <a href=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/connect-serve-and-ask\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/connect-serve-and-ask\/\">Connect, Serve, and Ask\u2122 One-to-one<\/a> meeting to explore this potential further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Connecting can also happen through different avenues. Perhaps you\u2019ve found a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/search-directory\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/search-directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">member in the directory<\/a> whose profession aligns perfectly with your needs. An email introduction could open the door to meaningful interaction and growth. Another crucial aspect is preparation. Knowing who your COI (centers of influence) are\u2014those who share your target market but offer different services\u2014equips you with the tools you need before attending meetings or sending introductions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>COI=Center of Influence: H7 defines a COI, or Center of Influence, as a pivotal professional who shares your target market and key decision-makers but operates in a different industry.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Navigating Meetings and Making Connections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Meetings offer multiple opportunities for connection. One way is through <a href=\"https:\/\/h7-network.mn.co\/posts\/training-resources-tools-the-power-of-3-words\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/h7-network.mn.co\/posts\/training-resources-tools-the-power-of-3-words\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(3) three-word introductions<\/a>. Listen carefully for members sharing requests that resonate with your expertise. In virtual settings, a simple message via chat can initiate dialogue. During 30-second commercials in small group breakouts, it&#8217;s essential to articulate your needs clearly and listen intently to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Active engagement is key. As the facilitator asks participants who they wish to connect with, stay attentive and ready to act. This is when the magic of networking happens\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/the-art-of-service-how-to-serve-with-successfully\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/the-art-of-service-how-to-serve-with-successfully\/\">three opportunities to ask<\/a> and active listen in every meeting. Capture these moments and ensure connections are pursued with intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cementing the Connection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Securing a <a href=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/connect-serve-and-ask\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/connect-serve-and-ask\/\">Connect, Serve, and Ask\u2122 One to one<\/a> before leaving H7 meetings, is crucial. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/virtual-meetings\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/virtual-meetings\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">In a virtual meeting<\/a>, utilize the chat to send scheduling links and confirm one to ones. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/in-person-meetings\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/in-person-meetings\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">For in-person meetings<\/a>, seize the opportunity to approach members directly. Exchanging contact information and scheduling meetings on the spot ensures you\u2019re on the right path to fostering a trusted relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid pitfalls by scheduling meetings before you leave an H7 meeting. Leaving <strong>WITHOUT<\/strong> this commitment could mean investing additional time and effort post-meeting to arrange that one-on-one. The key is to maximize meeting efficiency and capitalize on the interactive experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Importance of Follow-Through<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To truly benefit from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/find-a-meeting\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/find-a-meeting\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">H7 meetings<\/a>, it\u2019s vital to follow through and ensure every connection is meaningful. Schedule that <a href=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/connect-serve-and-ask\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/connect-serve-and-ask\/\">Connect, Serve, and Ask\u2122 one-to-one<\/a> before leaving. This proactive approach not only affirms your commitment but also sets the tone for a productive, long-term relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary, stepping up to engage with others during meetings and taking immediate action to solidify these connections are essential elements in building a network of trusted relationships. By doing so, you&#8217;ll pave the way for mutual growth and success. Keep your calendar ready, and prepare to transform initial meetings into lasting partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image2667_69b09d-2f .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image2667_69b09d-2f\"><figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/champion\/importance-of-champion-relationships\/\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Steps-to-Success-Home.png\" alt=\"Within the H7 Network Training, Resources, and Tools area, you\u2019ll discover the \u201cSteps to Success\u201d in developing those trusted relationships. There are four strategic steps, along with a comprehensive member journey guide, which details access to five (5) hours of word-of-mouth marketing training. While the Connect, Serve, and Ask\u2122(CSA) training is a must, other trainings, though optional, are highly encouraged.\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-2710\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Steps-to-Success-Home.png 500w, https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Steps-to-Success-Home-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Steps-to-Success-Home-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Steps-to-Success-Home-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2667_f57808-79, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2667_f57808-79[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2667_f57808-79\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2667_f57808-79 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2667_f57808-79[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2667_f57808-79\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2667_f57808-79 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2667_f57808-79\"><strong>Steps to Success for Review:<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p><strong>Learn more about each step <\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1:<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/creating-connections\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/creating-connections\/\">The Initial Connection with another Member<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2:<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/building-your-business\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/building-your-business\/\">The First Connect, Serve, and Ask\u2122 One-to-One<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 3:<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/elevate-your-networking\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/elevate-your-networking\/\">The Second Connect, Serve, and Ask\u2122 One-to-One<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 4:<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/developing-trusted-champion\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/developing-trusted-champion\/\">Develop your Trusted-Champion Relationship<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image2667_d7a793-0c .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image2667_d7a793-0c\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Clay-Headshot-with-no-black-background-01-30-25.png\" alt=\"Discover Clay Hicks, the Founder and CEO, of H7 Network\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-2319\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Clay-Headshot-with-no-black-background-01-30-25.png 250w, https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Clay-Headshot-with-no-black-background-01-30-25-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Clay-Headshot-with-no-black-background-01-30-25-96x96.png 96w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/news-feed\/the-desk\/discover-clayhicks\/\">Learn more about Clay Hicks<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Written by: Clay Hicks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/the-power-of-relationship-centric-networking-predictable-outcomes-through-trusted-relationships\/\">\u201c<em>When you focus on the relationship and not the outcome, your outcomes become more predictable<\/em>\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Forming meaningful connections can be a game-changer for your professional journey. The first step on the path to creating five (5) Trusted-Champion Relationships lies in the initial connection with another&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2669,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[76],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-relationship"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":76,"label":"Relationship Building"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Power-of-Initial-Connections.png",500,500,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Clayton","author_link":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/author\/clayton\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":76,"name":"Relationship Building","slug":"relationship","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":76,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<h2>Relationship-Building Best Practices:<\/h2>\r\nIn business, relationships are everything. Building strong, meaningful connections can open doors to new opportunities, foster collaboration, and create a solid foundation for long-term success. \r\n","parent":74,"count":30,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":76,"category_count":30,"category_description":"<h2>Relationship-Building Best Practices:<\/h2>\r\nIn business, relationships are everything. Building strong, meaningful connections can open doors to new opportunities, foster collaboration, and create a solid foundation for long-term success. \r\n","cat_name":"Relationship Building","category_nicename":"relationship","category_parent":74}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2667","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2667"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2667\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2669"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/h7network.blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}