Unleash Your Influence – Mastering Personal Branding and Strategic Networking.

In a recent MyCareerPath webinar, Unleash Your Influence: Mastering Personal Branding and Strategic Networking, we explored actionable strategies to help you build a strong personal brand and network effectively. Whether you’re looking to grow in your current role, transition into a new opportunity, or refine your professional approach, this session provided practical insights to set you on the right path.

Why Personal Branding Matters

Personal branding is how you intentionally present yourself to the world. It’s your unique value proposition—the thing that sets you apart. Research shows that 79% of professionals credit personal branding with helping them strengthen their career presence and unlock new opportunities (Zippia, 2023).

Think of personal branding as defining your role in solving problems: what do you bring to the table? What do you want to be known for? Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, considering a career pivot, or expanding your reach, your personal brand is the foundation that distinguishes you.

The Three Pillars of Personal Branding

A strong personal brand is built on three key components:

Relevance: Your personal brand must evolve with your career to stay aligned with your goals and industry demands. This ensures you remain a valuable resource in your field.

Authenticity: Your brand should reflect your core values, strengths, and passions. Being genuine builds trust and stronger professional relationships.

Consistency: Your brand must remain consistent across all platforms, from LinkedIn to in-person interactions. While private social media doesn’t need to align perfectly with LinkedIn, it’s important to be mindful of what public content conveys about you.

Insights from Peter Cleary, Founder of Red Mountain

We were thrilled to welcome guest speaker Peter Cleary, Founder and CEO of Red Mountain, who shared how personal branding and strategic networking shaped his unconventional career journey.

Peter’s story underscored how building an authentic personal brand and cultivating meaningful professional relationships opened doors across industries. His insights into networking, career pivots, and innovation offered valuable lessons for those looking to grow in their careers.

Peter Cleary on Networking and Personal Branding: A Career Journey in Four Chapters

When Peter Cleary, Founder and CEO of Red Mountain, took the stage, he didn’t just talk about networking and personal branding, he brought it to life with stories from his diverse career. From carpentry to consulting and now entrepreneurship, Peter’s experiences reveal the real power of relationships and authenticity in shaping a career. Here’s what we learned from his journey.

Chapter 1: From Carpentry to a Strong Personal Brand

Peter’s career began as a carpenter in America. To find work, he’d drive from job site to job site introducing himself and offering his services. Before long, his reputation as someone reliable, professional, and affordable started spreading. The “brand” he built for his company was simple but effective: always show up on time, avoid swearing on-site, do great work, and leave a clean site behind. This approach quickly paid off, allowing him to grow his business and hire a small team. His takeaway? A strong personal brand doesn’t have to be complex, it’s about consistency, professionalism, and how you make others feel.

Chapter 2: A Librarian’s Lesson in Genuine Connections

In 2007, Peter returned to education at University College Cork and needed a part-time job. Through his classmates, he learned that opportunities were available in the university library. He didn’t just send in a CV, he built a connection with Martin, the head librarian, who was learning German at the time. Peter helped by translating job applications into German using Google Translate (a novel tool at the time). That small personal touch made a big impression, and he landed the role. Peter’s advice here is clear: show genuine interest in the people you’re networking with. It’s the foundation of meaningful relationships.

Chapter 3: Breaking Into Consulting Through Networking

In 2011, Peter set his sights on a graduate role at Accenture, Ireland’s largest consulting firm. Despite having a first-class master’s degree in business economics, he struggled to get an interview. So, he decided to take a different approach: networking. Peter reached out to anyone who could provide insights into the industry or the company. A former classmate introduced him to Accenture’s “Leaders of Tomorrow” competition, which offered an internship to the winner. Peter entered, won, and secured a role that led to a 13-year career at Accenture. This wasn’t just luck, it was the result of intentional networking and seeking opportunities in unconventional ways.

Chapter 4: Entrepreneurial Success Built on Relationships

Now, as the founder of Red Mountain, Peter’s network continues to play a pivotal role. Every sale he’s made in the last eight months has come from connections built over the last two decades. Before starting his company, Peter made a list of people he’d worked with, helped, or collaborated with in the past, those who’d be happy to hear from him. These relationships, rooted in trust and mutual respect, became the foundation of his business.

The Link Between Networking and Personal Branding

Networking and personal branding are two sides of the same coin. Peter shared a Buddhist proverb he loves: “You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with.” The people you surround yourself with influence how you think, act, and grow. If you want to advance in your career, spend time with those who embody the qualities and skills you aspire to develop. For example, if you want to become a great project manager: reach out to respected PMs in your network and ask for advice or mentorship, join a PMP study group or attend industry events, and volunteer for pro bono project management opportunities to build experience. By immersing yourself in that world, you’ll learn, grow, and naturally start attracting opportunities.

A Simple, Powerful Philosophy

Peter wrapped up his talk with a simple but powerful idea: “With purposeful networking and a genuine desire to help others, you can take your career, and your life, wherever you want it to go.” Networking isn’t about what you can get, it’s about what you can give. It’s about building relationships, offering value, and being intentional about the company you keep. Peter’s journey is a testament to the fact that success isn’t just about talent or hard work, it’s about how you connect with others and the reputation you build along the way. So, if you’re ready to take your career to new heights, think about your network and your personal brand. Who are you surrounded by? What do you want to be known for? And how can you start building relationships that will help you get there?

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Why Networking Is Crucial

Networking is about building meaningful relationships rather than simply collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. In fact, 85% of roles are filled through networking and referrals, highlighting its importance in career development.

At its core, networking is about creating connections that help you grow professionally, access opportunities, and gain insights. It’s not transactional but relational—focused on creating mutual value.

et new challenges and more connected to the organisation’s goals.

Principles of Effective Networking

The same principles that apply to personal branding—authenticity, consistency, and relevance—can also be applied to networking:

• Authenticity: Build genuine relationships based on trust and shared interests.
• Value First: Offer something of value, such as insights or introductions, before asking for help.
• Consistency: Nurture relationships over time to create long-term value and trust.

Networking isn’t always easy, but with patience and persistence, it can yield significant rewards.

Strategies for Strategic Networking

If you’re looking to take your networking to the next level, consider these tips:

• Network with Purpose: Focus on quality over quantity by connecting with individuals aligned with your goals.
• Leverage Online Communities: Join industry-specific forums or groups to engage with experts and share learning.
• Engage in Exploratory Conversations: Talk to others to gain insights into career paths and industry trends.
• Network Laterally: Build connections with peers and professionals in different fields, not just senior-level individuals.
• Host Networking Events: Organise virtual meet-ups or informal discussions, coffee catch-ups’s etc to create opportunities for others to connect.

How MyCareerPath Can Support You

MyCareerPath offers a range of tools and resources to help you strengthen your personal brand and enhance your networking strategy. Our services include:

• Personalised Assessments: Understand your unique strengths and values to craft a compelling personal brand.
• One-to-One Mentoring: Receive tailored advice to refine your messaging and networking approach.
• eLearning Resources: Access actionable strategies for LinkedIn optimisation, networking techniques, and more.

With these resources, MyCareerPath doesn’t just equip you with tools; we guide you in applying them effectively to align with your career goals.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick recap of the key points covered:

• Personal Branding: Your unique strengths and values form the foundation of an authentic, consistent professional presence.
• Networking: Building meaningful relationships can open doors, unlock opportunities, and foster career growth.

MyCareerPath is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re refining your personal brand or building your network, we provide the tools and guidance to help you succeed.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, book a introductory chat with one of our Career Advisors today.

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