Making Meaningful Connections

These past few weeks I am grateful to get the opportunity to coach people across different parts of the world from London to Toronto, Tanzania to Kuala Lumpur and I have given 7 interviews. One common question that nearly everyone asks is how I managed to successfully build a brand from ground zero in several counties. While I share freely share many tips, the one which generates most interest is around networking. Here are few tips:

1. Reciprocity is the key to lasting and genuine relationships. Support others first before asking for favors, via introductions, referrals, recommendations and shout outs!

2. Avoid adding people on Facebook and LinkedIn without sending them an introduction or sharing why you have added them. If you forget to do that as we all sometimes tend to do, at least engage on their posts, accomplishments, stories. If you can't do that either but are still curious about their work and wish to stay informed about what they are upto then don't add them as friends, just follow them on their public profiles without sending connection requests - many influencers have public profiles and posts for everyone to see.

3. If someone has refused to give you time in terms of interviews, referrals, reviews and you initially claimed you were huge fan of their's, then don't suddenly cut off all ties and completely disassociate yourself from that person. That will mean that the compliments you showered earlier lacked genuineness and were only given to derive a benefit or favor. Make an effort to continue staying in touch and support their work.

4. If some has asked you to do a review, give feedback and you feel you don't have the time nor the interest then politely refuse, don't be a douchebag and hoard free books, free access to programs etc without any intention of ever replying back or doing the needful.

5. Humility and being down to earth will win you genuine followers who aren't just inspired but like you too so even if you are tempted to be haughty, aloof and supercilious as you grow more succesful and famous, don't give in to that urge - people will notice the change...

6. Be nice but being humble and empathetic doesn't mean you can't be assertive and firm when required. Don't allow people to push your over and guilt you into doing things when you are over capacitated. Tell them off firmly.

7. Don't accept any assignment or role which you aren't 100% comfortable with or that are not aligned with your values and preferences.

8. Do not copy people's work including hashtags, articles, book covers, trainings ideas, blog content and specific terms you have seen them using and make them your own (especially people in your network) Give credit where due, we all take inspiration but giving credit will only make you more credible.

9. Don't just celebrate other people's successes but be there for them if you feel they are going through a rough time. Reach out by sending a message, they may not always reply but will acknowledge that you care.

10. If you can't attend a social gathering for xyxz reasons, make the reasons known and/ or create your own networking opportunities where you can meet people on your own terms but which also offers value to others.

11. Freely give shout outs to people but don't tag people in your posts when you don't have the courtesy to comment on their posts!

12. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. True authenticity can only be demonstrated if you don’t lose your identity to fit in. Trying to force yourself into a pre-formed mould only leads to stress and other internal barriers. Demonstrating your brand and having a personal impact does not mean you become someone else in public and let go of what defines you when networking with people who aren't like you.

13. Network with people who are like you but more so with people who aren't like you especially in business-you will learn and grow alot when you are the only one on the room.

14. Networking and nurturing relationships takes times. You can't expect it to be a one night stand. It will take time to build up so be patient.

15. Not everyone in your network will be your close friend. Identify the mentors, the sponsors, the cheerleaders, the bystanders, the followers, the naysayers, the good to have in your list...know the difference and accordingly maintain relationships with them.

16. Always acknowledge and appreciate the industry leaders and mentors and give them credit where due especially people who were there for you and helped you grow when no one knew you!

I will add more as they come but this is it for now.

Enjoy reading and putting then these tips to good use!

#herwaytothetop #businesswomen #womeninleadership #womenintheworkplace #networking #personalbranding