As we age we tend to make fewer new friends. Many of our old friends move away, or die off.

          Many people work in large cities and when they retire they tend to move back to their home town because of family connections. It  may be a cheaper place to live and to buy a house, or it may have a better climate.  

          There is an old says;  “A wise person knows everything, a clever one, everybody.”

          Today it’s often not what you know but who you know that counts the most. As you age make an effort to make new friends otherwise you could be very lonely.

A handful of tips to help you make more friends

* Join up

          Join a group to meet new people. There are three main groupings.

• The professional and business type group – professional societies, clubs and unions.

• The hobby, sporting, educational and religious types.

• And the electronic internet type.

          Join a group, or groups, that appeal to you to enhance your life with new friends and contacts.

          Groups like Rotary, Lions, Toastmasters all play a useful part and do good work for the community.

* Get known

          Go out of your way to help others.

          Generosity is an attractive quality and it is something people will remember about you. 

          Get known by making a contribution.

          Join in activities and help organize events. Take office. Contribute to the group and gain respect.

          At social events make an effort to move around and talk to many people.  Show you are interested in others and ask open-ended questions. “How is your family doing?” “Where did you grow up?” “How can I help?”

          Improve your listening skills. Don’t talk too much. Make an effort to become a good listener.

* Follow up fast

          If you say you will do something to help someone, do it as soon as possible.

          Respond to any referrals you are given as soon as you can and keep in touch. Let them know how the new connections are going.

* Keep  records

          Many politicians owe their career success to accurate records.

          Collect and file business cards or use an electronic filing system.

          You must be able to make contact quickly if and when required.

          Keeping a diary can be a valuable tool and can bring you rewards when you need names, dates and specific details.

          Jot down brief notes about people so you can quickly establish a rapport with them next time you meet. “Keen on sport.” “Has a family of three boys.” “Born in England.”” Attended Harvard”.

* Meet regularly

          Groups should meet on a regular basis to reinforce contacts and to refresh relationships.

          Business networking is successful when groups of like-minded business people recognize, create and act upon opportunities and go out of their way to help each other.  

          Who you know is more important than what you know so fortify your life with new friends and contacts.

-Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“The worst solitude is to be destitute of good reliable friends.”

Source: “Secrets for New Managers” first published by Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand (www//mossassociates.co.nz) and Cengage Learning Asia, Singapore. Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com and from the VitalSource Bookshelf.