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Networking: A Golden Opportunity to Build Your Personal Brand
| Guest post by: Nick Nanton |
Article Overview: Below are five ways in which you can effectively build your personal brand while networking:
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Free Download - Leverage Your Personal Brand and Achieve Direct Mail Success By Nick Nanton |
Networking: A Golden Opportunity to Build Your Personal Brand
There are nearly endless channels for building and communicating your personal brand, and we have talked about many of them in this space. From your website to your social media presence, from your style of dress to the interviews you give on TV, there is no shortage of opportunities to build your brandwhile connecting with your audience. However, today we are going to examine another channel that is often overlooked: networking.
Most business owners recognize the importance of networking—it’s a great way to meet other professionals, identify opportunities for collaboration, and even bring in new clients. Business owners often approach these events with specific goals—such as passing out a large number of business cards, identifying new prospects, or gathering more information regarding a specific industry. Very rarely is “build my personal brand” a priority—and as a result, the opportunity is wasted.
Below are five ways in which you can effectively build your personal brand while networking:
1)Start by listening, not talking.Many networking events primarily consist of individuals looking to promote themselves. But in most cases, the best way to build a connection with a potential client is tolistenfirst. Display an interest in the individual and in their business. Ask questions. They’ll be impressed that you took the time to listen—and much more likely to hear you out when you do begin to talk about yourself.
2)Dress the part.It goes without saying that you need to dress in a manner which reflects the brand you are seeking to build. Your choice of clothing plays a significant factor in communicating your personal brand—so choose accordingly.
3)Make a strong first impression.The first impression you create while networking goes a long way. Not that you have never heard this before, but a little review can’t hurt: offer a strong handshake, speak clearly, and project confidence. You’re great at what you do, and you’re working to brand yourself as an expert in your field. Carry yourself accordingly!
4)Focus on your points of differentiation.What makes youdifferentfrom others in your industry? There are plenty of real estate agents out there, for instance, but what makes you different from all the rest? Do you have an advanced degree? An exceptional level of experience? A unique business model? Stay away from generic information and try to focus conversation on your points of differentiation as much as possible.
5)Tell stories.Sharing stories (work related, of course) has a number of benefits. It gives your audience a tangible idea of who you are and what you do. It demonstrates your experience and expertise. And storytelling holds the attention of your conversation partner much more effectively than the typical “this is what I do” spiel. Take some time right now to come up with stories that demonstrate your expertise—and use them when the opportunity arises!
Networking is a valuable exercise for a variety of reasons—and brandingis one of them. The next time you attend a networking event, make building your personal brand a priority!
If you’d like to learn more, check out "Building The Ultimate Network", a book I co-authored with Dr. Ivan Misner. Dr. Misner is the founder of BNI, the largest business networking organization in the world.
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About the Author: Nick Nanton RSS for Nick's articles - Visit Nick's website Nick Nanton, Esq. is known as The Celebrity Lawyer and Agent to the top Celebrity Experts for his role in developing and marketing business and professional experts, through personal branding, to help them gain credibility and recognition for their accomplishments. Nick is recognized as the nation’s leading expert on personal branding as Fast Company Magazine’s Expert Blogger on the subject and lectures regularly on the topic at the University of Central Florida. His book Celebrity Branding You® has been selected as the textbook on personal branding at the University. Nick is recognized as one of the top thought leaders in the business world and has co-authored five best-selling books, including the breakthrough hit Celebrity Branding You!®. Nick serves as editor and publisher of Celebrity Press™, a publishing company that produces and releases books by top Business Experts. CelebrityPress has published books by Brian Tracy, Mari Smith, Ron Legrand and many other celebrity experts and Nick has led the marketing and PR campaigns that have driven more than 100 authors to Best-Seller status. Nick has been seen in USA Today, The Wall St. Journal, Newsweek, The New York Times, Entrepreneur® Magazine, FastCompany.com. The Huffington Post and has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX television affiliates speaking on subjects ranging from branding, marketing and law, to American Idol.
Click here to visit Nick's website   Personal Branding Pays Why a Strong Personal Brand Is Worth the Effort Networking A Golden Opportunity to Build Your Personal Brand Personal Branding It Pays to be the Expert Personal Branding Build Your Credibility Lock Out Your Competition With a Strong Personal Brand |
Related Forum Posts
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them!
- I agree!
Networking is definitely the key word here.
What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there?
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
what are some others?
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Michael Gultz
Marketing 2012
- I am interested in what works for you in 2012, Social Networking, Search Engine traffic, Blogs, Articles, Forums, what?
This is a quote from a 2009 Topic "Twitter, Social Networking, What is your Method?
From my experience, social networking traffic (Twitter included) also converts at a far lower rate than search engine traffic. Evan
Is this still true, or do you use something that gives us better returns and conversions
Re: Great start, but no finish
- My advise is FOCUS on your business.
Focusing is the main factor to succeed on business. If you have a great idea, then follow it only, don't look anywhere else. It is especially essential in an online business. Because there are a lot of mind blowing sales letters promising millions dolllars or overnight success, people find it difficult to concentrate on one business and they lose their energy.
Concept is simple.
1- Have a good idea;
2- Build your business on it;
3- Monetize your business;
4- Promote it;
5- Build list of responsive customers;
6- Maintain You Business.
Focusing and not fearing from competition (instead you can learn from competitiors) are main tips of billionaires ,BTW.
Orxan
Re: How can a social networking site make serious money?
- Hi There,
It is quite interesting, that some Social Networking do produce an income. I think testimonials are always a benefit to share. See one below:
This Social Network has changed my life! Every night is a Friday night and everyday is a Saturday!! Because of it, I have been able to leave the workforce 10 years early.It has given me back my life.
Many of us would like to retire early. I am sure there are many more. The point is of focusing with great determination. The ongoing challenge is to stay focussed and not be sidetracked into a newer scheme or so. Also I have read, during this financial turmoil, more people turn to Social Networking for various reasons.
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