Influence of Networking and Personal Branding on Relationships

Seven years ago, if anyone asked me about networking, I would have said it was something men do on the golf course and that I hated it. My feelings about networking were based on a very limited understanding, even ignorance on my part, purely because of my limited and less-than-positive experiences with the opportunities that had come my way, uninvited. This was primarily because the opportunities that had come my way up to then were in the corporate world, related to large events and having to host tables of 10 or more people I had never met before and probably would not meet again. It was not a skill I had learned; at that stage, I did not want to learn or realise the value of learning it. I was naïve and inexperienced about the power of networking, and I am happy to admit that it is one of the life lessons that has come my way and which I have now embraced with ardent fervour! Why may you ask?

Networking is about meeting people, building relationships, and exploring opportunities to help each other and contribute to others’ lives. This may not be the dictionary definition, but it is mine. The dictionary version is more like a ‘supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups with a common interest'. So, it is similar, but I like mine more.

When one of my mentors encouraged me to join a large international networking organisation, I resisted for months. However, his message was consistent: if you want to have your own business and succeed, you must build a network. So, I joined this very large international networking organisation whose core philosophy and number one value is Givers Gain®. I threw myself into learning about networking, how to network, how to build a network, how to have conversations when meeting people for the first time, how to contribute to the organisation and how to give to others. This lesson has served me well and can serve you, too. Embracing being a lifelong learner is fun when you realise there is always something to learn, someone to learn from and people to share learnings with, particularly as a leader in business. We learn more when we teach others, so the more we learn, the more we can help others; it is a never-ending cycle of opportunity. Being able to navigate daily life with the principle of how we can help other people, make a difference to others, and, in return, create a life that fills our cup so that it is constantly overflowing is meeting our human core need for contribution and growth. as Zig Ziglar shares, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.”  

Knowing how you want to show up for others is a lot about recognising your strengths and what makes you uniquely you. Your character and the competencies you have to be you. The wonderful thing is that we can all build on our competencies - skills, knowledge, and experience. When we leverage our strengths in networking, we show up in our own unique way, and let's face it: only you can do you! Be genuine because if you try to be someone you are not in the networking world, this will bite you. This is because other people's perceptions of you influence your reputation , and this will come from the relationships you create and how you communicate and interact with others.

In networking, your personal brand is more important to focus on because it is about how you want people to see you, so it is more intentional based on how you represent yourself. It's all about the relationships you create, nurture, and build on to make a difference in other people's lives; this is the true spirit of networking, and other people will want to make a difference in your life.

Another exciting aspect of networking is who you want to network with. This is a whole different level of conversation, so here are some high-level thoughts to start with:

#1. Values  - who do you want to interact and engage with so that an alignment of values will enable an effective working relationship? To answer this question, you need to know your personal and professional values, which may vary.

#2. Inspiration  - what lights you up when building relationships? What are you willing to accept or not accept as you navigate the conversations that will be a required part of networking? Can you recognise if you resonate with someone when you meet them for the first time or if there is dissonance?

#3. Boundaries  - how easy is it to say no to an opportunity because it does not align with what you seek? Even though networking is about building relationships and helping others so that, in turn, you can also be helped, it does not mean that everyone is a match for you. Saying no to an opportunity given because it is not right for you is embracing your own power. It is addition by subtraction.

As a leader in business, knowing your strengths and leveraging them to build on your credibility and reputation is a powerful way to be intentional in how you want to show up for yourself. Learning how to network effectively is worth it for exploring relationships, business, or career opportunities and building on your personal brand. It takes time, effort, and energy, but it is worth it.

Book a complimentary strategy session if you want support with building on your leadership and networking relationship skills for business or career opportunities, and we will connect.