What do you do if your skill development and personal brand need a boost through networking?

There is a beautiful saying for the founder of LinkedIn, Ried Hoffman: “The fastest way to change yourself is to hang out with people who are already the way you want to be.” This quote summarizes it all! First, visualize who you want to be because without a clear vision, you will be lost in the how and the what and forget about the why. Identifying your Ideal Client Persona, or your ideal recruiter or mentor. Then search, find, and map what platforms they use and what kind of events they attend. Now, go and network, whether on LinkedIn, Instagram, networking events, or by hosting your podcast.

Here's a simple, down-to-earth answer as a personal brand strategist: ? Go to industry events and say hi to new folks ? Join online groups about things you like ? Be curious and ask others about their work ? Share what you're learning on social media ? Help others when you can - it comes back around ? Don't be shy to ask for advice or tips ? Remember, everyone starts somewhere - just be you!

Lately, I've felt my skills getting a bit stale, and my online presence could definitely use some sprucing up. That's when it hit me: networking! It's not just about schmoozing at fancy events (although those can be valuable too). It's about building genuine connections with people who can share knowledge, offer opportunities, and help amplify my brand. Here's my plan to turn networking into a win-win for my skillset and reputation: Target the right crowd: Instead of attending every event under the sun, I'll focus on industry meetups, online forums, and conferences that attract people in my field. Become a knowledge giver, not just a taker: People are drawn to those who offer value.

Identify Your Goals: Determine what specific skills you want to develop and what aspects of your personal brand you want to enhance. Having clear goals will help you focus your networking efforts. Attend Events: Attend industry conferences, workshops, seminars, and networking events both in-person and online. Look for events where you can meet professionals who have the skills you want to develop or who are influential in your field. Join Professional Groups: Join industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn or professional associations related to your field. Engage in discussions, share insights, and connect with other members to expand your network.

Defining precise, strategic goals is crucial for effective networking. For example, if improving project management skills is a goal, I'd plan to certify in Agile methodologies by a set date, actively participate in related LinkedIn groups weekly, and connect with three established project managers monthly. Each interaction and milestone is purposefully chosen to build competencies and forge relevant connections, focusing efforts where they can yield measurable growth.

Be intentional! In my workshops, I always tell my trainees about the difference between communication and networking. Communication happens by default, whereas networking is intentional. When it comes to meeting new people, do it without much thinking. Even network with everyone. But when it comes to building a real network and taking this communication to the next level, BE SELECTIVE. Choose people with the same values, and belief systems, or else you won't be able to benefit as much as you should. It's not only about wealth and skills!

To harness the power of networking, start by identifying your network. Cast a wide net, seeking out individuals who align with your interests or professional aspirations. Networking is about cultivating genuine, meaningful connections that can fuel your growth journey. These connections can provide invaluable insights, mentorship opportunities, and potential collaborations. By diversifying your network, you open doors to new perspectives, ideas, and possibilities for personal and professional development. So, take the time to attend networking events, and engage in conversations. The strength of your network often determines the breadth of opportunities available to you, making it a vital cornerstone of career advancement.

Once you've identified potential contacts, don't hesitate to reach out and initiate conversations. Share your interests, whether they're related to work, hobbies, or shared values. Express admiration for their work or achievements, showing that you value their expertise. Asking thoughtful questions or seeking advice on relevant topics not only demonstrates your interest but also opens the door for a deeper conversation. Networking is a reciprocal process, so be prepared to offer value in return. This could be as simple as sharing an interesting article or connecting them with someone in your network who could benefit them. It's not just about what you can gain, but also about how you can contribute to the success of others in your network.

As a personal brand strategist, here's what I'd suggest if you need to boost your skills and brand through networking: ? Go to industry events. They're like big playdates for grown-ups in your field. ? Join online groups. It's like a virtual clubhouse for people who do what you do. ? Help others first. It's like sharing your toys - people remember and want to play with you more. ? Learn new tricks. Ask people to show you cool stuff they know. ? Share what you learn. ? Be yourself. People know when you are fake it.

Networking isn't just about connections—it's a stage to showcase your skills ?? Keep your online presence sharp with a professional profile and updated portfolio. Regular updates and active sharing of your work can solidify your credibility and attract new opportunities in your field ??

As you interact with your network, seize every opportunity to showcase your skills and expertise. Sharing articles or projects you've worked on is a powerful way to demonstrate your capabilities. These tangible examples provide a glimpse into your professional journey and the value you bring to the table. Additionally, actively participating in discussions or forums related to your field allows you to contribute insights, and engage with peers. When you demonstrate your knowledge and passion, you not only strengthen your personal brand but also position yourself as a valuable resource within your network. Visibility is key in networking. The more you engage and share, the more you establish yourself as an authority in your field.

In networking you can use this book as a reference: "How to win friends and influence people". I can guarantee it gives you all the tips you need to approach anyone and win all hearts (except evil ones). Seeking feedback and support by networking is a bit critical and sensitive: 1- You don't want to cross the line 2- You don't want to sound like you're giving an expert you barely know some sort of a project. 3- You don't want to feel imposing! So, based on the book, approach a new person with a smile, show appreciation and interest, and show them they you did your homework about them... ask a question that drives a conversation, and if they don't give you feedback de facto, you can ask about it easily and they will give it happily.

Continuous improvement is key in my field, and I engage in a mix of formal and informal education—attending webinars, subscribing to industry publications, and participating in relevant courses. This ongoing learning enriches my understanding and keeps me current with industry trends, which I share with my network through regular posts and during networking events, reinforcing my reputation as a well-informed and proactive professional.

Networking will help but what will help even more is having A Learning attitude ? . Focus on Being a learner ( who implements things ) - this will ensure That you grow - so never stop Learning - collect & process Learnings from your mentors, peers,top creators in your niche,etc ? . It will take your personal brand to remarkable heights

In times of adversity, network harder! Networking opens doors you never knew existed... or were drowned to believe it was impossible to open them. In Japan, there is a Library, not of books but of people, where you can sit with people of different ages, expertise, backgrounds, and so on and benefit from them. I recently discovered a pattern in my freelance work, and one element of my response is to network more intentionally, strategically and frequently.