One of the keys to effective networking is developing your personal brand. You want people to remember you, not your company. In fact, workers switch jobs an average of 10 times between the ages of 18 to 38. Relationships are built on personal interaction so you need to make sure that your contacts get to know you both personally and professionally. Without this mindset, you will have a difficult time sustaining some of your relationships over the long term.
To help you better develop your personal brand, study the below techniques that I also use. With the proper amount of discipline and hard-work, you can develop your own personal brand, which is a HUGE leverage point for building relationships.
Personal Email Address
Since we change jobs so often, it can be a challenge for us to keep in touch with our network through our work email. Therefore, I suggest that you buy your own domain name such “yourlastname.com” and then create an email such as yourfirstname@yourlastname.com. I do this with jason@jacobsohn.com.
The great thing about a personal email is that people will always be able to get ahold of you no matter what your job. Also, with a personal domain name, if you need to, then you can transfer it from ISP to ISP. While you can use a Yahoo or Hotmail email as well, it doesn’t have the same level of professionalism as your own domain. Also, if you ever want to change ISPs, then you have to change your email again.
Regardless of what email you use, make sure that it is professional and descriptive of who you are. You want people to see you as professional so don’t use any nicknames or inside jokes as part of your email.
While I am advocating that you should keep in touch with your network with a personal email address, I am not implying that you shouldn’t use your work email either. In fact, work email is great for new contacts and ones that you are more inclined to do business with while working at your current company. At some point, you need to convert them to your personal email address.
Subject Matter Expertise
In order for people to truly remember who you are, you need to develop a subject matter expertise. Pick a topic that you are passionate about and, of course, one that you know a great deal about and brand yourself as the go to person. Topics can be related to your profession or a hobby. Whatever you decide, make sure that people know this is your expertise. For example, I have built my brand around “networking” by creating an email newsletter, developing a Website, writing articles, and now this blog. Because of this, I have been asked to speak to groups about networking as well as contribute additional articles. Over time, people will associate you with your subject.
In the beginning, you will have to be proactive and reach out to people to let them know about your expertise. Below are some techniques that you can implement:
- Write articles and submit them to online and offline publications.
- Develop a Website that showcases your expertise by including your background, any published work, etc. Also, provide some good resources for people so they can come away with more than just your bio. Of course, make sure the content is related to your expertise. You want people to frequently come back to your Website so add new content when you can. For example, I put a Chicago events calendar on my Website, which is perfect complement to my site and it keeps people coming back.
- Create double sided business cards. On one side, put your personal contact information and the other side, mention some of your skills or your Website. Be creative with this one as long as you highlight your expertise. Use an inexpensive service like Vista Print to create these cards.
Personalized Note Cards
It is a good habit to send handwritten notes to people after you meet them for the first time. Most people never follow-up after an initial conversation so make sure that you do so with grace. A great way to stand out is to have personal note cards made that include your name, email, and potentially your Website. Also, make sure that you have the envelopes pre printed with your name and address. Make sure that this is specific only to you so don’t use your company name and address.
Sending a note to someone after a first meeting is a great way to build a relationship and get the next meeting. Focus your note on how you enjoyed the conversation (bring up some of the ideas discussed), any follow-up that you said you would do (such as a referral), and inquire about a next meeting.
In addition, send thank you notes to people who did something nice for you. They will appreciate that you acknowledged them and will remember you for this. It is common courtesy to thank people, which will encourage them to continue to help you in the future.
Definitely don’t send a form letter because this is not personal. Email is a close second to a handwritten note but generally will not stand out as much as a handwritten note. You will be remembered for this note because most people do not take the time to write one. While sending a note is a great way to differentiate yourself, you need to follow up with an email or phone call to truly stay in touch. A note is a great first step to build and maintain relationships.
What other tools do you use to build your own brand with people?
Check out some of my other posts on Personal Branding:
And of course, if your readers are going to "Develop a Website that showcases your expertise by including your background, any published work, etc." --
Then they may as well capitalize on its novelty and start a blog!
~ Vikram
PersonalBrandMarketing.com
Posted by: Vikram Rajan | September 01, 2007 at 02:09 PM
Absolutely! A blog is a natural way to brand yourself.
Posted by: Jason Jacobsohn | September 02, 2007 at 08:21 AM