How can you build a strong network of mentors and peers in B2C Brand Strategy?
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If you are interested in pursuing a career in B2C brand strategy, you might wonder how to find and connect with people who can guide you, inspire you, and support you along the way. Building a strong network of mentors and peers is not only beneficial for your personal and professional growth, but also for your ability to create and deliver impactful brand strategies for your clients or employers. In this article, we will share some tips on how to build a strong network of mentors and peers in B2C brand strategy, based on our own experience and insights from other experts in the field.
The first step to building a strong network of mentors and peers in B2C brand strategy is to identify your goals and needs. What are you hoping to achieve in your career? What are the skills and knowledge gaps that you want to fill? What are the challenges and opportunities that you face or anticipate? By having a clear vision of your goals and needs, you can narrow down the types of people that you want to connect with, and the value that you can offer and receive from them.
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Kristina Mirgorodskaya
International Brand Strategist | Establishing Emotionally Resonant Brand Foundations | Creativity & Consumer Behavior | Personal Branding for Entrepreneurs | Marketing Strategies | Built 15+ brands from scratch
This is one of the most challenging steps for many brands and personal brands because we often look up to someone who's already better than us and has achieved something in our niche. Therefore, having discovery sessions about the brand and yourself is crucial before building the strategy
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Natalie Tran
Transition & Business Strategist | Create A Personal Brand That Wins Trust & Clients | Business Coach & Mentor | Speaker & Workshop Facilitator | Author | Host "Transition With Purpose Podcast"
Reflection is the first step and looking at your goals, what you want to move towards and crafting this in a visual way to help your clarity. I have used mind maps to create a clear vision and well-defined goals. Questions you can ask include: Are you looking to enhance specific skills, broaden your industry knowledge, or navigate a career transition? By getting clear on your goals, it creates a framework for identifying the type of support and guidance you need from your network of mentors and peers. A successful network is built on individuals bringing varied skills and perspectives to the table. Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses helps you to seek mentors and peers where both parties can give and receive from the relationship.
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The next step is to research potential mentors and peers that align with your goals and needs. You can use various sources and platforms to find them, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, podcasts, blogs, newsletters, online courses, webinars, events, and publications. Look for people who have relevant experience, expertise, insights, and perspectives on B2C brand strategy, and who are willing to share their learnings and feedback. You can also ask for referrals from your existing network, or join online communities and groups related to B2C brand strategy.
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Ranjan Das
MD Fox&Angel and Apppl Combine | IIM Lucknow | Award Winning Senior Strategy Consultant, Business Advisor & Marketing Leader | Global Expansion | Building Successful Brands from Scratch to Success and Beyond
First-hand experience works wonders. At least you would not make the same mistakes they did can improvise your strategy, based on their experience
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Tarlia Smedley
Marketing Director | Brand Building | Data-Driven | SEO & Digital Specialist | Content Creator | Social Media | IT, Sales & Marketing Recruitment | Ex Pharmacy
Research is crucial. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn and industry-specific forums to identify those with a strong grasp on B2C brand strategy. Engage with content they've shared, and consider reaching out for deeper insights or even mentorship.
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The third step is to reach out and initiate conversations with the potential mentors and peers that you have identified. You can use email, social media, or other channels to introduce yourself, express your interest, and ask for their availability. Be respectful, polite, and concise in your communication, and avoid generic or spammy messages. Explain why you are reaching out, what you hope to learn or discuss, and how you can add value to them. For example, you can offer to share your own insights, feedback, resources, or connections.
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Tarlia Smedley
Marketing Director | Brand Building | Data-Driven | SEO & Digital Specialist | Content Creator | Social Media | IT, Sales & Marketing Recruitment | Ex Pharmacy
When initiating contact, personalize your approach. Explain your specific interest in their work and articulate what you can bring to the table. It's not just about what you can learn but also what you can contribute to the relationship.
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Teneille Saayman
Senior Marketing Manager, QuadraBay | Strategic Marketing Leader | Brand & Communication Expert | Driving Growth & Building Value | Senior University Lecturer (Advanced Media Production & Marketing)
Treat networking like a dance, not a sprint. Craft your outreach as a harmonious invitation, not just a transaction. Your message should be like a thoughtful note, not a generic memo. Be genuine, share why their insights matter to you, and propose a mutually beneficial exchange. Imagine it as a dialogue, not a monologue – a chance to create connections, not just tick names off a list. Offer value, not just requests. It's not just about reaching out; it's about initiating a conversation that resonates. Your networking journey isn't just a series of emails; it's the art of cultivating relationships in a digital dance.
The fourth step is to build relationships and trust with the mentors and peers that you have connected with. This involves following up, staying in touch, and providing value on a regular basis. You can also ask for their advice, feedback, or guidance on specific topics or projects related to B2C brand strategy, and show appreciation for their time and input. You can also invite them to join or participate in online or offline events, groups, or projects that are relevant to their interests and goals.
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Tarlia Smedley
Marketing Director | Brand Building | Data-Driven | SEO & Digital Specialist | Content Creator | Social Media | IT, Sales & Marketing Recruitment | Ex Pharmacy
Be proactive in offering and requesting support. Whether it's a referral or a collaborative opportunity, mutual assistance can lead to significant career milestones and a robust network that values reciprocity.
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Teneille Saayman
Senior Marketing Manager, QuadraBay | Strategic Marketing Leader | Brand & Communication Expert | Driving Growth & Building Value | Senior University Lecturer (Advanced Media Production & Marketing)
Cultivate relationships like a well-tended garden, not just a checklist. Follow up with genuine interest, not just as a formality. Keep the connection alive by consistently offering value – it's like watering the plants of your network. Seek advice not just when needed but as a way of fostering dialogue. Imagine it as a two-way street; your input is just as valuable. Appreciate their time like you would a rare bloom. And don't just stay digital; invite them to join the vibrant garden of projects, events, and groups. It's not just about building connections; it's about nurturing a thriving ecosystem where everyone flourishes. Your network isn't just a list; it's a community that grows stronger with every genuine interaction.
The fifth step is to seek and offer support and opportunities to your mentors and peers. You can ask them for referrals, recommendations, introductions, or collaborations that can help you advance your career or improve your skills in B2C brand strategy. You can also reciprocate by doing the same for them, or by sharing opportunities that you come across that might benefit them. You can also celebrate their achievements, acknowledge their contributions, and endorse their skills and work.
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Cyril De La Torre
Design & Brand Strategy | ex-News Corp Director | LinkedIn Top Voices
Don't be afraid to ask your mentors and peers for help and support. They may be able to provide you with advice on your career, connect you with potential employers, or help you develop new skills. Be sure to offer your own support and opportunities to your network as well
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🦕 O'Ryan McEntire
Storyteller, Strategist, & Growth Partner - I help Founders & CEOs build communities around their brands.
To build a stellar network in any field, You just need to completely ignore everyone else's advice. I mean, why seek wisdom when you can reinvent the wheel every single day? Always remember, your ideas are the best, especially when they are untested, unqualified, and raw. The best time to network? 3 AM. If you catch them when they are confused or groggy you can convince them of anything. Works like magic. Networking events? Skip them. They're just glorified coffee meets anyway. Instead, send cryptic messages on LinkedIn - the vaguer, the better. It's like a treasure hunt, but for professional connections! Was that you I saw on the news? No need to actively pursue anything. Good things come to those who wait, right?
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The final step is to maintain and grow your network of mentors and peers in B2C brand strategy. You can do this by keeping in touch, providing value, and showing gratitude on a regular basis. You can also seek feedback on how to improve your relationship and communication with them, and how to make the most of their mentorship or peer support. You can also expand your network by connecting with new people, or by introducing your existing contacts to each other.
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Ranjan Das
MD Fox&Angel and Apppl Combine | IIM Lucknow | Award Winning Senior Strategy Consultant, Business Advisor & Marketing Leader | Global Expansion | Building Successful Brands from Scratch to Success and Beyond
This is key, post unavoidable regular chun, adding new one to your network will give your brand more and more opportunity to fi the one who has the best synergy.
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Lynn Tickner
Get a name and grow your brand. [StoryBrand Certified Guide]
The most challenging type of network to build is also the most long-lasting and high-quality type of network. It's made up of people you've actually met and had a conversation with, either virtually or ideally, in real life. Transactional relationships are difficult to sustain if both parties are only in it to get something from the other person. However, if you're in the relationship because you genuinely want to see the other person succeed and cheer them on as they grow, benefits will result organically and you'll stay in that network because you love it and you love the people around you.
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Syed Muhammad Tabish
LinkedIn Top Voice | SaaS Marketing Expert | Brand & Content Strategist | Sales & Marketing Guru | Reputation Management Pro 🚀✨
Join online communities and groups. There are a number of online communities and groups for B2C Brand Strategists. Joining these communities is a great way to connect with people from all over the world and learn from their experiences. Attend industry events. Industry events are a great way to meet new people and learn about the latest trends and developments in B2C Brand Strategy. Be sure to attend as many events as you can, and make an effort to introduce yourself to new people. Ask for referrals. If you know someone who has a strong network in B2C Brand Strategy, ask them for referrals. They may be able to connect you with people who can help you achieve your goals.
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Cyril De La Torre
Design & Brand Strategy | ex-News Corp Director | LinkedIn Top Voices
Be selective about who you add to your network. It is better to have a small group of close and trusted relationships than a large network of people you don't know very well. Be proactive about reaching out to your mentors and peers. Don't wait for them to contact you first. Be respectful of their time and be willing to give back. Your mentors and peers are busy people, so make sure to be mindful of their time and offer your own support and opportunities in return. Be authentic and yourself. People can spot a fake from a mile away, so be genuine and let your personality shine through.