This week I was recommended for two separate opportunities. One was a speaking gig and another a bit of consultancy work. In both instances, I wouldn’t have known about that opportunity if it hadn’t been for the person in the room deciding to mention me. I’m forever indebted to these people for speaking my name and in that action, opening the door to a room I’d not yet been in. It reinforced to me that you should bring others to the table with you or help build new ones whenever you can as you get back what you put out into this world.
It also reminded me that it’s important to be intentional in your actions. Even when you don’t think people are taking note of what it is you’re producing or talking about, they are! By talking about your passions, values or skills, others will be aware of them too and are more likely to recommend you for opportunities which align with them. Nothing feels better than being asked to speak about something you love doing!
Now, it’s one thing to get invited to take a seat at a new table. But once you’re there, your job isn’t done. This is when you do your best to make room for another chair. There is room. These are magic tables, they keep on growing and growing. Your network are not your competition. The same way they are cheering you on for your latest speaking gigg or brand collaboration, is the same way you should be ready to cheer them on or help them get the next one. Again. They are not your competition. So what can you do to uplift your network?
What's in this post
Refer and recommend
When a role isn’t right for you, why not take a moment to refer someone within your circle for the role instead? You will not only be potentially introducing someone to a new opportunity but you will be showing your integrity and professionalism at the same time. If nobody within your networking circles springs to mind, you can always offer to share the role within your networks. You may not be aware of each individual’s personal circumstances or skillset so this will give them the opportunity to self refer as well as reinforce that the sharing of roles is a welcome action within that community. We all love a bit of mutual reciprocity after all.
I sometimes head over to my Black Influencers Directory when a brand collaboration isn’t a good fit for me and I can’t think of someone off of the top of my head. I’d always rather take a minute to check than risk someone missing out on the opportunity to work with a great brand.
Ask for a plus one
If you are invited to an event, ask for a plus one. It could be a chance to introduce a friend or connection to a new brand and help the organisers find new talent. I’ve asked for a plus one for many events and I think I’ve only been turned down once by the organiser. Even if they are unable to accommodate my request, I’ll recommend a few bloggers or influencers so that they can be on their radar for the next event. This is something I wish I’d learned much earlier on in my blogging career. It would have been such a nicer experience not to have been Billy no mates at some of those early events!
Network and learn
Create or join informal networks. This can be as high or low tech as you need it to be. But create a safe and non-judgmental place for you to speak with others in your industry or with similar aspirations. Share what you learn whether it is a huge win or a hurdle you’ve faced. Knowledge is power and the most valuable currency you can all have. By sharing this information, you will not only progress but so will others within the group too. Not everything needs to be a competition. There’s room at the top for you all.
Mentor
Mentoring is a brilliant way of creating space at the table for others. Yes, you’re able to provide support, answer questions and be a font of knowledge and inspiration for the mentee, but there’s also a lot of positives for you as a mentor too. I’ve heard of people progressing in their own roles faster due to the process of having to explain and evaluate their own work and processes in order to explain it or support their mentees. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment for knowing you are actively helping someone else achieve their goals. I’m all about that warm and fuzzy feeling, I don’t know about you.
Collaborate
Now, this tried and tested method is often overlooked but there is so much power in collaboration. Why not work on your next project with some other creatives you admire? You will be able to introduce your work to each other’s audiences and also be more visible to potential clients.
Showcase and share
If you’re lucky enough to be in a position of influence, do try to use that ‘power’ for good. Share the work of those that have made an impression on you. It will cost you nothing and because you have a trusted following, people will take note and are more likely to take action. It can be as easy as sharing a post, tagging an account or simply speaking their name in the right room. Word of mouth is still an extremely powerful method of advertising. Never underestimate the effect your sharing of a product, service or person can have!
When I say ‘position of influence’ I’m not talking follower numbers or C-suite status of your place of work. You can have influence at all levels.
What did I miss? Tell me, what ways can you bring people to the table with you? What have you done or witnessed that you’d like to add to this list?
