There’s an art that often means the difference between success and mediocrity in the business world: networking. Success isn’t just about what you know but equally about whom you know. So how does this relate to a brand and building brand influence?
Your brand is what you put out in the world about yourself, combined with what people say about how they EXPERIENCE your brand. If I say I’m the best hairstylist in Cleveland and load my social media with pictures of beautiful haircuts, but my reviews say I’m mediocre at best, who will my potential clients believe?
Brand influence can be elevated through visibility and reputation. While you control how visible you are and if you are what you say you are, ultimately, it’s what others say about you that builds your reputation.
WHO talks about you matters. The more influential the people who recommend you are, the more valuable your referrals will typically be. If you’re looking to grow a service-based business that requires your clients to make a significant investment, but you’re in a networking group with people who charge entry-level pricing for their services, who will have the power to influence? 
Your network, in great part, determines your net WORTH. It’s not a cliché; it’s a business reality. Your network is not just a list of names; it’s a collection of opportunities, insights, and potential collaborations. Successful people understand this, and they invest time and effort in building and maintaining strong professional connections.
Consider this: Studies show that a significant percentage of job opportunities and business deals arise from networking. It’s not about chance; it’s about strategic relationship building.
Building strategic relationships goes beyond the superficial exchange of business cards. It’s about identifying key individuals who can significantly impact your success through MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RELATIONSHIPS. Relationships based on mutual respect, trust and a shared vision for success.
Getting in the right room matters. But there’s an equally important aspect to networking that often gets overlooked: conversation. If you elevate your conversations, you elevate your connections. It’s not about small talk; it’s about purposeful dialogue.
Think about the last networking event you attended. How many meaningful conversations did you have? How many left a lasting impression? Elevated conversations require preparation, insight and the ability to guide discussions toward meaningful topics. It’s about being present and making a genuine connection with the person in front of you. That’s why those massive networking events typically produce no tangible results.
Active listening is the cornerstone of elevated conversations. It’s not just about waiting for your turn to speak; it’s about truly understanding and engaging with what others are saying. When you actively listen, you gain deeper insights, forge stronger connections and open doors to opportunities that may have otherwise remained closed.
Elevated connections are not a one-way street. It’s not just about what others can do for you; it’s about what you can contribute to the collective success of your professional community. By adding value to your network, you become a valuable resource, and in turn, others are more likely to invest in your success.
Think about the law of reciprocity. To give first, without expecting that the person we recommend will do the same for us, but that the good we do will be returned. We can build a reputation on being a connector and a giver.
In today’s digital age, networking extends beyond face-to-face interactions. Technology has provided us with powerful tools to enhance our connections. However, it’s crucial to find the right balance between online and offline networking. While social media and professional platforms can amplify your reach, the real magic often happens in personal interactions.
Your network is an integral part of your brand influence. How you present yourself and your business matters. Elevating your brand isn’t about putting on a facade, but about authentic and consistent self-presentation. Your network reflects your brand and vice versa.
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