Your network can be your biggest fans.

It’s a strange thing to be a fan of people you know. If you have ever watched someone you care about play a sport or perform at a concert you have a mix of excitement and nerves for how they will do. And yet, you attend and show up and cheer them on and hope for the best outcome.

So if you’re thinking about your network and how you spend your time, consider that you are building your fan club. The people that will stand up and cheer for you and ride the highs and lows or coach you to perform better. They may not show up for every match but if you want them to support you they know what you are capable of doing. And you would do the same for them if they asked.

As you build your AllStar Network and focus on that first and most important segment of 100 people, consider that you want to pick good people. People who you can grow with and who will make you a better person and more capable at your job. Sometimes i see people want to network with the person they think is the most important or the highest ranking and they turn into a less genuine version of themselves. While you want to strive for a great network, don’t be a turkey. Build a network with style, confidence and a clarity as to why you are cheering them on.

Know your value and keep building good relationships and your fan club will continue to grow and perform whether you run a small business or are working your way through your career inside an organization.