Networking can be an effective tool for promoting, marketing and sharing your personal brand. It allows you to meet and connect with like minded individuals and develop quality relationships. It also helps you create the right contacts for growing a viable and profitable network. Last but not least, it allows you to communicate your mission, goals and passions for success.
Listed below are tips and practical ways that savvy networkers can increase their brand proposition.
Activate Your Brand
In order to build a credible and reliable personal brand, you need to be active in your networking activities. Generally, this means staying consistent and intentional in your endeavors. Whether you feel comfortable connecting via in person or online, have a plan and put it into action. Make sure to follow up and follow through. Set up meetings, additional ways to stay in touch in person or online and build your personal brand with others. Show commitment and integrity in your dealings and interactions.
Establish Your Brand
As you develop your relationships, focus on building a strong personal brand. Explore various avenues of expressing your personal brand within your communications styles. What makes you unique and differentiates you from your colleagues or competitors? What skills, abilities or talents make you passionate in your career, business or academics? What do things do people associate you with, when your name comes to mind? By answering these questions, you are gaining a greater understanding of the value of your brand.
Execute Your Brand
Your personal brand can be a powerful for growing your networks. Use it as a touch point for conversations and finding opportunities. Show the relevance of it whenever you go to events, meetings and functions. Incorporate it into your elevator pitch, resume / bio, business cards and other marketing tools and materials. Make every effort to reinforce its worth and significance.
Use these tips to add more value and increase the dynamics of your connections. Along with your communication styles and marketing efforts, create relationships that improve your networks.
