Each year on my birthday I set a stretch goal for my professional development and make it a focus over the next 365.
I’ve been reflecting on what I would choose this year, and found myself jotting down some half-hearted ideas while ignoring the BIG one that kept gnawing at me: being seen. I spend a lot of time behind the scenes helping my clients and their businesses to grow and am often hesitant to push myself out front.
I’ve decided to do one event each week that pushes me into the spotlight and helps me build my network community. I know networking can be a challenge for even the most people-loving of us. And for me, I can ebb and flow in how consistent I am at pushing my business and brand forward.
Given that I've chosen Being Seen as my growth focus this year, I set out to plan how I can build my network community little by little each week, so I can see consistent gains in my professional brand.
Below I share a sample week of my plan for you to use in building your network.
Steps to Take Each Week to Build Your Network: Attending Events
1: Research and Select Events
Spend some time researching upcoming events in relevant industries.
Select events and contacts you believe will have the most impact on your business and brand.
Make sure to mix it up - look to network with your peers and 1-2 levels above that.
2: Event Outreach
Identify attendees of the event. Look on the event webpage, the host committee or business page and social media. See who is speaking, presenting, or commenting that they’ll be there. Make a list of anyone who is in your network or isn’t and should be.
Reach out via LinkedIn to let them know you’ll be there and looking forward to hearing their talk, meeting them, or just that you are excited about the event and glad they hosted it.
3: Plan Your Engagement Strategy
Think about how you will introduce yourself and your brand.
Practice your “elevator pitch” - that’s your 2-line bio.
Prepare a few talking points about your brand’s mission and recent achievements.
Prepare a few open-ended questions to get or keep a conversation going.
Select a Call-to-Action closing sentence, such as “This conversation has been very interesting. I don’t want to take up all your time here at the event. Let’s keep the conversation going over coffee or Zoom.”
Prepare a follow-up note ahead of the meeting. It will save you time when connecting with your new contacts post-event.
4: Attend the Event
Arrive early to get a feel of the environment. This is especially helpful to introverts or anyone who hates a crowd.
Take advantage of the topics covered at the event to spark a conversation.
Be curious and use neutral language openers such as, “I thought that panel was insightful and am glad I decided to come to the event. I’m curious what you thought.”
Look for those folks you did outreach to before the event – the introduction should be easier now that you’ve already met in cyberspace.
Engage with as many people as possible, be it attendees, speakers, or organizers.
5: Follow Up
Use that follow-up note you prepared and send emails or messages to the key contacts you made.
Send it within 3-days of the event so the interaction is fresh.
Didn’t get to see the person you wanted to meet? Not a problem! Send them a note saying you had tried to connect with them at the event and didn’t get to – then ask them for a virtual coffee to make that introduction.
Building a brand is a journey that requires consistent effort and strategic actions. While there are numerous tactics to enhance your brand's presence, focusing on one impactful action each week can yield significant results over time.
Attending and participating in events can significantly boost your brand’s visibility and credibility. By doing so, you expand your network and create meaningful connections that can propel your brand forward.
Have you attended any events recently? How did they impact your brand?
Got questions for me? Reach out at https://calendly.com/jackiegulley/brand-consultation
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