What Would a Black Belt Do? Social media networking...

What would a black belt do? I'm Jim Bouchard, and I'm here to help you think like a black belt in personal and professional life. Today's question comes from Paul Mosley, and Paul, thank you. Paul's a regular contributor to our LinkedIn group, Black Belt Mindset Mastermind Group on LinkedIn, and we really, really appreciate everything you share with us there. Paul's question is, what would a black belt do to expand your professional network on LinkedIn to share ideas, updates, and connections? Also, to network concerning employment opportunities to let someone, a veteran friend or colleague, know about these opportunities. My gut reaction, Paul, is that you're doing it. You obviously think like a black belt in your social media interaction. And the mindset characteristic, the black belt mindset characteristic that you're really displaying there is leadership. In this case, specifically, thought leadership. Authentic leaders are those people who have the ability to attract willing followers. Emphasis on the willing. And you do that through the process of sharing. Genuine leaders share. What do they share? They share ideas, expertise, wisdom, experience, advice, opinions without selling, without an expectation of a direct return. Unconditionally. There are certain things in life that should be given unconditionally: love, respect, and to a certain degree, advice. By unconditionally, I mean, like I said, without that, that expectation of a direct return. When you do that, first of all, you don't feel any resentment when you don't get instant gratification. But more important than that, someone who shares unconditionally really is seen as sincere. You're giving your expertise because it's the right thing to do. And when you do that, you build credibility, you establish trust, and you establish authentic value. Send in your question and you'll be entered into our monthly drawing for your choice of either a Think Like a Black Belt personal mindset training session or a signed copy of Think Like a Black Belt. To submit your question, all you need to do is visit ThinkLikeABlackBelt.org or JimBouchard.org and click on the Ask tab and fill out the simple form there. Hey, thanks for your questions, and always remember, perfection is not a destination, it's a never-ending process. Enjoy.