Tips and Tools for Achieving Your Brand!
NETWORKING DECONSTRUCTED
5 Part Networking Series
MODULE #1: YOU ARE NOT A RANDOM PERSON
Networking can be intimidating for most individuals as there is something nerve-racking about walking up to
strangers and engaging them in a ‘random’ conversation. But the truth is, while the unexpected conversation may be
a random occurrence, you are not a random person. In fact, once you are clear on your unique competitive
advantages (UCA) and value proposition, talking to future professional or social connections becomes fun.
Before we proceed, it is important for me to advocate that you do some introspection and purpose identification.
Answer questions such as who am I, what are my unique competitive advantages, and what is my current purpose. Understanding your UCA and purpose is key to you being
confident and being perceived as genuine. Remember, you want your potential connection to feel as if you are offering a mutually rewarding relationship, so you must be ready to market your ability to add value to that individual’s life.
Personal Brand Activity:
Some people take a lifetime to identify their unique competitive advantages. Luckily for you, you are taking step one
to processing the qualities that make you great.
Step 1: Write 3 adjectives that you think describe you (be specific to your purpose – professional or social)...
Step 2: Ask 5 people from different social circles to give you the top three adjectives that immediately come to mind
when they think of you (that matches your purpose of course). It is important not to prompt the persons, or influence
their opinions.
Step 3: Compare your list to the adjectives that you received. Did your list match their list? Now you make 3 lists;.
a. One with the adjectives that matched your list.
b. With the adjectives that were most commonly suggested.
c. The adjectives that surprised you.
Step 4: Share with our blog readers your findings and what you learned from this exercise about yourself.
I understand that the process to self-discovery can be overwhelming at times. If you would like to embark on the
journey to further explore your unique competitive advantages and define your distinct brand, complete one of our
assessments (links below) so we can help you get to the next level on this journey.