Be A Networking Magnet 🧲
Hi friends!
Lately, the topic of personal branding and networking keeps coming up. While there are countless ways to brand and network, I’ve never forgotten a simple method I got from one of my awesome managers at Google. Her suggestion?
Be A Magnet 🧲
What did she mean by this?
Get people to come you. Be at the center of the hustle and bustle. How do you do that? It’s super simple really - be proactive! Host a simple initiative, plan a program or run an event. People will eventually know who you are because they will have to interact with you through these initiatives.
Being a program manager myself, I can completely attest to this being true. I’ve tried this at work - as well as on the personal front! A great example would be hosting a Clubhouse Club or Room. Try it and see how many people start following you!
On the topic of networking, have you ever thought of utilizing a CRM tool to better manage your network? I actually have a personal spreadsheet with folks that I intend to keep in touch with, and here are the things I keep track of:
Name
Intended Cadence (How often do you want to meet?)
Date Last Met
Date to Meet Again
Job (What do they do?)
Personal Touch (What are some personal details about them that they shared? What is personally important to them?)
What did I learn from this person? (Stuff this person taught you)
How can I help this person? (What value can you add or bring to this person?)
Action Items (What do you need to do post conversation?)
I know it sounds a bit like overkill - but you’d be surprised at how well this actually works. When I reach out to people, they are genuinely touched at the details I remember about them, and are even more surprised when I actually remember to do stuff we had chatted about during our catch ups!
You never really know when you’re going to need to rely on that person for something, so as much as you can - add value to them when possible, even if it means going the extra mile!
What are some other branding and networking techniques you use? Do share!
Till next week!
Jamie
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