How can you build a network of advocates in Marketing Operations?

Many times I hear individuals talk about building out their network. But what does that mean? Having the right network for what you are looking to achieve means first deciding what you want to achieve! Sounds simple, but this is the best starting point. What are you hoping to gain from having a strong network? Are you looking to learn from each other? Share best practice? Build a business? Find a new job? Pick up new skills? As with any initiative, determining your desired outcome will help inform you approach.

Similar to a marketing or sales strategy, building a network that will help you meet your desired outcomes includes figuring out who your "target ICP" is. :-) Who are you targeting and how does that persona like to be engaged? Where can you find them? What messaging resonates?

Relationship-building and clear communication are critical in providing value for stakeholders. Often, we encounter silos that only create tension and mistrust between partners. 1. Research Value Opportunities: What can you do to better understand your stakeholder challenges and opportunities? What are they trying to solve? Lean in and be a good listener. Be their ally. 2. Quick Wins: What can your team do next week, or this month to help partners succeed? Even small wins add value. 3. Delivery and Feedback: Deliver on your quick wins and ask for feedback. How can you partner better or provide better communication in your projects? Set up a meeting and even a quarterly check-in to gather feedback and ideas for future initiatives.

The number one thing you can do - today - to start building your network is to give. Give, give, and give some more. When you are generous with sharing your time, knowledge, and expertise, others will naturally gravitate towards you.

Building credibility and trust is one of the superpowers of Marketing Ops professionals. In out day-to-day job, we have to build rapport and trust with our internal customers every day across different teams and functions. Leverage that same skill set to demonstrate your expertise and build credibility across the industry with the folks you would like to have in your network.

If you have the mindset and the goal of helping others, you can easily build a strong network of advocates. If you are looking to give, give, give - value, time, resources, experience, knowledge - you will build a network and following very quickly. My best advice? Give freely without expectations of receiving anything in return. As you continue to add value to others, others will start to reciprocate.