Introversion has no place in building a personal brand. Networking is gathering information, finding connection, and laying the foundation for a relationship.
The Manifesto's method is four questions that build awareness of the other person, under the acronym FORM. The answers help with rapport, with thoughtful gifts, and with knowing how you can serve them. Networking is fellowship, never a time to criticize or object.
It is easier, and better, to be introduced than to introduce yourself. Ask for an introduction only with a clear purpose, and remember that the person who introduced you is now attached to how you behave.
Introductions are how you figuratively skip the line and go straight into the realm of another.
Personal Branding: A Manifesto on Fame and Influence, Second Edition, 7.3
The moves ISIA, the engine behind the Brand Audit, draws from this part of the doctrine. Each one is something you can do this month, and the reason it matters.
This page is a summary. The subchapter itself goes further, with the reasoning, the stories behind it, and the exercise that closes it.
Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Motivation: the four areas the Manifesto asks you to learn about when you meet someone.
Only with a clear purpose, from someone you already have a relationship with, and with the intent to live up to their good faith and return the favor.
Advice Isaac Mashman has given on his own shows and in interviews on this subject, from the same library MCG consultants work from. Each one keeps the words he said it in, and links to the transcript where there is one.
At every event, split from the people you came with for at least part of each day and meet people you do not know. Set a number of new connections you will leave with.
Read the transcript ↗ (opens in a new tab)“what's the point of going to an event, especially networking event if you don't network”
Chase the Vision with Isaac Mashman, “Getting Flown Out To Washington D.C. By Meta | Not Wasting Opportunities”, May 23, 2022
Make a habit of connecting people who should know each other, for business, friendship, or collaboration. Do it without expecting anything back.
Read the transcript ↗ (opens in a new tab)“the more introductions you make, the more it shows that you have a network”
Chase the Vision with Isaac Mashman, “Making Introductions”, February 18, 2022
At the end of client calls, ask yourself who in your network, including other clients, could help this person, and make the introduction that day.
Read the transcript ↗ (opens in a new tab)“who could i introduce her to”
Chase the Vision with Isaac Mashman, “Making Introductions”, February 18, 2022
Clients buy a consultant before they buy the service. A personal brand with evidence behind it is what lets you charge for your judgment.
People buy from people they know, like, and trust. A seller with a personal brand is known before the first call, and that changes every conversation after it.
Introduce yourself to three strangers every day for a year, starting with 90 days to build the habit. Developed around 2019 for clients who needed a simple way to grow their network, and channel agnostic by design.
A quality contact list lets you solve other people's problems with a simple introduction, and makes you the person whose name comes up first.
Be transparent about what you want and why. Letting your intent be known creates advocates out of the people around you.
Engagements are accepted by application and seats are limited each quarter. Tell us who you are, what you are building, and the position you intend to hold.
