Networking for Global Brand Outreach

In my ongoing 12-week global marketing mentorship program, our recent session was all about the big ol’ cold networking. Lol. We had some real talk. From Jasmine Amo Bempah’s strategy of connecting with employees before applying, to Jemimah Iwok’s shift from “just asking for a job” to “building relationships first,” it was clear that networking still wins. It’s not just who you know, it’s who knows you and what you stand for. I also shared a few of my own lessons: - After getting my current job offer, I contacted someone at the company to make sure I was making the right move. - One mentee got into this mentorship program by offering to support me behind the scenes. - A cold LinkedIn pitch with a clear value prop and portfolio landed someone a contract with me in 3 minutes. (Yes, I checked the timestamps.) And I forgot to mention this on the call, but I also recently secured a Q&A moderator slot at a large virtual event (about virtual events!) simply by sending a cold DM on LinkedIn. I’ll be sharing more about that soon. Here are some practical takeaways we discussed that I think everyone should keep in their networking toolkit: 1. Lead with value Before you ask for anything, ask yourself: What can I offer this person? It could be support, a resource, or even just thoughtful feedback on something they’ve shared. People are more likely to respond when you come with intention, not just an ask. 2. Be human, curious, kind, and consistent The best outreach messages are the ones that feel like they’re written by a real person. Be warm. Mention something specific they’ve shared. Say thank you. If they’re a stranger, make the first message about them, not you. 3. Don’t just reach out when you need something The worst time to start networking is when you're desperate. Build relationships when you don't need them so that when you do, it doesn't feel forced. Comment on posts. Send a DM to say, “This made me think.” Share their work. 4. Build relationships before you need them Keep a shortlist of people you'd love to learn from. People in roles you aspire to, or who are doing cool things in your space. Engage with their work consistently. Add value. Be memorable before you ever ask for a call, a job, or a referral. 5. Make it easy to say yes Whether you're asking for a 15-minute call or feedback on your portfolio, be specific, respectful of time, and low-pressure. "Would you be open to a short call to share your journey?" hits differently from "I’m looking for a job, please help me." Cold networking isn’t transactional when it’s done right. It’s transformational. And it’s not about being slick or salesy, it’s about being intentional, generous, and human.

Most coffee chats end with "Let's keep in touch." Then nothing happens. Because you treated it like a conversation, not a system. Day 6 of 100: The Coffee Chat System Here's what nobody tells you about networking: It's not about collecting contacts. It's about creating advocates. At BNI Global, I watched how the best networkers operated. They never asked for jobs. They created value first. Then opportunities found them. The Coffee Chat System (5 Layers): Layer 1: Strategic Target List Map your network like a chess board: → Direct Decision Makers (hiring managers) → Adjacent Influencers (team members) → Industry Connectors (recruiters, VCs) → Peer Accelerators (same level, different companies) → Mentor Figures (2-3 levels above) 5 people per category. 25 total targets. Layer 2: Warm-Up Sequence Cold outreach is dead. Warm engagement works. Before reaching out: • Comment on 3 of their posts • Share their content with your take • Show up consistently for 2 weeks Recognition before request. Layer 3: Outreach Formula ❌ "Can I pick your brain?" ✅ "I noticed your post about [topic]. Your point about [insight] changed how I think about [area]. I'm working on [challenge] and would love 15 minutes to get your perspective on one specific question: [focused question]." Specificity shows preparation. Layer 4: Conversation Framework 15 minutes. 3 parts: Opening (2 min): Their recent win Core (10 min): Your one question Close (3 min): How you'll apply it Not an interview. A focused exchange. Layer 5: 24-Hour Follow-Up This is where 95% fail. Within 24 hours: → Send thank-you with specific takeaway → Share how you'll implement their advice → Offer something valuable in return → Set concrete next step The Compound Effect: 1 coffee chat: Nice conversation 10 coffee chats: Pattern recognition 20 coffee chats: Opportunity magnet Each conversation builds on the last. The mistake everyone makes: Going wide instead of deep. 10 meaningful relationships.> 100 surface conversations Your Weekly Protocol: Monday: Identify 2 targets Tue-Thu: Warm engagement Friday: Send 2 outreach messages Next week: Conduct chats Ongoing: Follow-up and nurture One system. Endless opportunities. Here's what changed everything: I stopped asking "What can I get?" Started asking "What can I give?" The opportunities followed. Tomorrow (Day 8): The Learning Velocity System How can you add value in your next coffee chat? ♻️ Share with someone who needs to network strategically ➕ Follow Yogi Gnanavel for Day 8 tomorrow #CareerGTM

Networking Your Way to a Global Career In today’s competitive world, talent isn’t limited by geography—but opportunities often are. The key to unlocking global career success? Strategic networking + strong personal branding. Here’s how you can stand out and make the right connections:  1. Build a Strong Personal Brand – Your LinkedIn profile is your digital resume. Optimize it with a clear headline, engaging summary, and achievements that showcase your expertise.  2. Be Visible & Valuable – Share insights, post content, and engage with industry leaders. Show up as someone who adds value, not just as a job seeker.  3. Leverage Online Communities – Join global LinkedIn groups, Slack channels, and industry forums. Meaningful discussions can open unexpected doors.  4. Personalized Outreach Works – Instead of generic connection requests, craft messages that highlight common interests or mutual goals. People appreciate authenticity!  5. Consistency is Key – Networking isn’t a one-time effort. Stay active, keep learning, and nurture your connections over time.  Remember, your global career isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who knows you and what they associate with your name. What’s one networking strategy that has worked for you? Drop it in the comments! 👇  #GlobalCareer #Networking #PersonalBranding #CareerGrowth

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙩-𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙑𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙆𝙚𝙣𝙮𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙡𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚 🌍🏆 This is me—a girl from one of the arid regions of Eastern Kenya, now stepping onto a global stage to receive a Global Business Leadership Award. This is not luck. This is not a miracle. It is INTENTION meeting STRATEGY and aligning with global recognition. I always tell my students: If you see yourself as a small, local brand, that’s exactly what you will become. I decided last year that I would position myself as a global brand, and today, that vision is becoming a reality. Here’s the truth: Being strategic is what will get you here. Not just hard work—but intentional visibility, strategic networking, and brand positioning. Many of you dream of global opportunities, but your network and brand positioning say otherwise. 🔹 Are you only following people from your country and expecting global connections? 🔹 Are your connections inspired by what you do? 🔹 Are you consistently showing up as an authority in your field? It’s time to go back to the drawing board and RE-STRATEGIZE! Use these tips to start building a global network: 📌 6 𝙏𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙂𝙡𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 1️⃣ Think Global, Act Global 🌍 Stop limiting yourself to a local mindset. Start engaging in global conversations, contributing to industry discussions, and following international leaders. 2️⃣ Curate a High-Value Network 🤝 It’s not about following everyone—it’s about connecting with the right people. Engage with decision-makers, industry leaders, and like-minded professionals worldwide. 3️⃣ Be a Thought Leader in Your Industry 🎤 People respect those who share knowledge and insights. Post valuable content, write articles, create videos, or speak on industry panels. Let people see your expertise. 4️⃣ Leverage LinkedIn & Digital Platforms 💻 Your online presence matters! Optimize your LinkedIn profile, showcase your work, and engage with international content. Consistency attracts recognition. 5️⃣ Show Up Where Global Leaders Are 🏆 Join global forums, attend international conferences (even virtually), and participate in conversations that matter. Be seen where decision-makers are. 6️⃣ Be Intentional With Your Brand 🚀 Branding is not just about a logo—it’s how you position yourself, communicate your value, and create impact. If you’re not actively shaping your brand, the world won’t notice you. 🔥 Are you ready to step into global opportunities? Start implementing these strategies NOW. The world is waiting for your brilliance! 🌍🚀

7 Lessons I Learned Helping a Local Brand Go Global A few years ago, I got a call from a client who owned a small but beloved brand in their hometown. They told me, “I want the world to know my product. Can we make it happen?” Their passion reminded me of my own beginnings—when I dreamed of making my work impactful on a global stage. I said, “Let’s do this!” Here’s what we did: 🌍 1. Market Research is Everything: We started with deep dives into cultures, preferences, and buying habits of potential markets. ✈️ 2. Localization Over Translation: Messaging wasn’t just converted; it was crafted for relevance. 📈 3. Digital Ads That Speak the Language: We didn’t sell; we told stories that connected. 🔗 4. Strategic Partnerships: Partnering with local influencers gave us credibility. 📦 5. Seamless Logistics: Because no one loves delayed deliveries! 🔍 6. SEO for a Global Audience: We made sure the brand was easy to find online. 💬 7. Constant Feedback Loop: Listening to international customers taught us so much. The moment their first international order came in, I got a text saying, “We’re really doing it!” That made all the late nights and brainstorming sessions worth it. Fast forward to today: their products are sold in 3 countries, and they’ve seen a 200% increase in revenue. If you’re dreaming of going global, let’s connect. I’d love to help make it a reality. 🚀 #GlobalBrandJourney #MarketingSuccess #ThinkGlobalActLocal #BrandGrowthStrategy #GoGlobal