The Art of Personal Branding and Networking

I believe in two principles that help an individual grow personally and professionally: Personal Branding and Learning the Art of Networking.

Personal Branding
First it is important to determining what your personal brand is. What distinguishes you to help you achieve career success? Personal branding is the most effective way to clarify and communicate what makes you different, special, and valuable to your company, peers, and clients. With personal branding, you use those qualities to guide your career. It’s about unearthing your strengths and passions and using them to stand out from your peers. Once you have determined what your personal brand is, the next step is mastering the art of networking to create your own network.

Building Your Network
Creating a network of contacts is essential professionally and personally. Networking is the process of establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with other individuals and professionals. Networking involves making new contacts and relationships, whether it is at a networking mixer, getting involved in an organization or getting to know colleagues. But networking involves more than just meeting new people. What you do once you meet this new contact is vital to the art of networking.

When meeting someone new at a mixer or business function, being able to introduce yourself comfortably to a stranger can be a challenge on its own. Knowing to ask the right questions to get a new contact to open up and offer “their personal brand”. Also being ready to give your “elevator speech” as to why this person would want to remember you as a contact. Chances are if they are there to network they are going to want to know what you have to offer. This is your opportunity to tell a stranger your personal brand.

After the ice has been broken, you are each aware of each other’s personal brand; the business cards have been exchanged; the conversation may turn to things of personal interest. Take a mental note of this. This will come in handy later on that will leave a lasting impression. After your conversation has ended, make notes on the back of the business card to help you remember details about this new contact.

The Follow Up
Now the event has ended. You have a collection of new contacts is in your business card holder. This is where the core of networking begins…the follow up. Many professionals send a thank you note to the new contact. Some send a physical card, which is a nice touch in the era of emails. But a simple email will work as well. Mention details of the conversation in the note and discuss getting together for lunch and offer yourself as a resource if anything is ever needed.

Once they reply back, suggest a particular day to meet for lunch. Many people say they will get together and they never do. During the lunch, ask “the personal detail” that I told you to take a mental note of before. For example, “How did your son’s game go?” The fact that you remembered this little detail shows that you actually paid attention. From here, schedule a time next month to get together for coffee, lunch, or drinks. It is the follow through of keeping the contact in your circle of network that will keep them feeling that they made a good contact and resource. They will think of you next time they know someone that may need your area of specialty.

I hope you find this helpful and insightful. Good luck and happy networking!
-Pablo Rodriguez