How to turn individual connections into curated networks 🌐

It feels good to be back in your inbox! 😄 

Since you last heard from me, I’ve caught up with Bryan Johnson at his Don’t Die Summit in Miami, hosted a womens power brunch, and sat for a podcast interview (episode drops tomorrow!)

Last edition, we talked about the Activation Flywheel—and how advisors shift from casual networking to creating real momentum by activating the right people in their ecosystem.

Today, we take things one step further: expanding your influence by building networks around you, not just connections to you.

Because here’s the thing: if you’re always operating 1:1, you’ll eventually hit a maximum capacity (trust me, I hit this every 6 months and then have to scale back 🫣)

The advisors who break through that max capacity ceiling become curators of high-value relationships. They don’t just know people—they bring people together. ✅

Phase 2: Expanding Influence

In the second month of the Activation for Advisors program, we help teams go beyond individual relationships and tap into the broader, compounding power of curated networks.

At this stage, we focus on:

💪 Expanding beyond 1-to-1 outreach into 1-to-many influence

💪 Reinforcing Activation as a long-term strategy, not a one-time fix

💪 Positioning advisors as industry connectors—trusted, visible, and top-of-mind

Grab a pen and paper (and fork?) — I’m about to hit you with some food for thought! 🍽️💭

🗺️ Influence Mapping & Strategic Positioning

Your network is full of hidden opportunities—you just might not be seeing them yet. By visually mapping your ecosystem, we can:

1️⃣ Identify high-value connections that have been overlooked

2️⃣ Spot clusters of influence where one relationship could open many doors

3️⃣ Prioritize relationships based on alignment with their goals, not just availability

💭 Reflection prompt: if you mapped your network today, where would you find gaps—and where would you find gold?

👥 Curating Micro-Communities

One of the most powerful strategies you can use is to connect your clients and partners to each other.

Why?

Because when you’re the reason valuable relationships form, you become indispensable.

Consider this three-pronged approach:

1️⃣ Hosting curated gatherings (virtual or in-person) that feel natural, valuable, and aligned

2️⃣ Strengthening client and partner loyalty by creating a sense of belonging

3️⃣ Building your reputation as a trusted connector, not just a service provider

💭 Ask yourself: how often are you creating opportunities for people in your network to meet each other?

🪃 The Reciprocity Engine

When you give first—thoughtfully, intentionally—you spark a cycle of reciprocity. Ever heard of the Double Opt-In Introduction? It’s my preferred method of kick-starting the reciprocity engine. Here’s how it works:

👉 Ask both parties if they’d like an intro before making it

👉 Personalize the connection so it feels warm, valuable, and relevant

👉 Track and nurture these introductions over time, building goodwill that compounds

💭 Consider: when was the last time you made an introduction that benefited both people—and you expected nothing in return?

📋 Personalized Relationship Playbook

Relationships need a system, not just good intentions. It’s essential to develop a customized, repeatable framework for:

👉 Maintaining regular touchpoints without it feeling forced

👉 Strengthening key relationships with intentional value-adds

👉 Leveraging their network in a way that feels authentic, not transactional

💭 Think about it: what would change if you had a personal playbook guiding your most important relationships this year?

Expanding influence isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about curating strategically.

When you curate a strong network around you, you:

• Increase referrals without asking

• Grow visibility without chasing

• Build resilience into their business by becoming a hub of value

By the end of Month 2 of my Activation for Advisors program, advisors have…

✅ A structured strategy for expanding and deepening their network

✅ The tools to position themselves as the connector in their industry

✅ Community-building techniques that reinforce their value far beyond their technical expertise

Which of these strategies or reflection prompts most resonates with you? Any that you’re particularly eager to hear more about? Hit reply and let me know!

With gratitude,
Nicole

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