Relationships and building a network are essential to elevate as an entrepreneur and execute your next project with your team and community.  Relationships and building a rapport were always important to me and the success of my business.  I have learned a lot over the past few years as I sold my last salon and transitioned out of the treatment room and onto a global stage. 

Seven lessons I’ve learned to elevate and execute a game plan are not just in writing the road map, it’s about the journey and celebrating each step along the way as you create new opportunities. 

💫 Show Up  

Be present - regular attendance at industry events show your interest and the respect for those in your network. Put your phone away, make eye contact and listen actively. People appreciate those who are engaged even if you’re not speaking. 

💫 Speak Up

This can be scary, to put your hand up in a large room filled with industry experts, but sharing a comment, asking a question or offering a compliment not only show that you are engaged in the presentation it helps you to get noticed in a sea of other leaders. It’s not about dominating the conversation, it’s about participating and showing you’re listening. Asking thoughtful questions, adding value with an offer or sharing advice can show your support. Remember it’s about the contribution not performance. 

💫 Respect

The more culturally diverse groups you are introduced to the more important cultural awareness and respect become important  We all understand our own cultures but when visiting other countries there are important social norms that must be adhered to.  

The right attire for the event, culture and community.  Using the right body language, facial expressions - a smile will always win, but as I was taught growing up to always make eye contact, that can be seen differently with different global cultures.

Knowing whom to shake hands with and what hand to use (always use the right hand!) along with other types of gestures.  In the UK the peace sign backwards is another way of using the middle finger in other countries. It’s usually not intentional but little things can make a big difference, so read up before your your next global engagement. 

💫 Rapport

There are other blogs I’ve written that delve deeper into being prepared for networking events, so this is just a reminder about making the most of your connections and it’s your responsibility to show up prepared and ready make the best impression. 

If you can find out who is attending, do a bit of homework so you’re ready to meet people and ask quality engaging questions.  This will help to build a rapport by showing genuine interest in what they do.  Following up with personalised email, or social engagement helps to further nurture that relationship.  

💫 Gratitude 

I am so grateful to event organisers for creating the opportunities and platforms to be able to network and bring large groups of likeminded people together.  Over the years, these events have opened so many opportunities to collaborate and connect people from around the globe.

A little something I bring with me to the events are a treat from my home country - shortbread, biscuits, truffles and I write a hand written note thanking the organiser for creating this event.  There are so many logistics and hard work that happen behind the scenes to make events happen.  I’m grateful for each invitation I receive and the opportunities they create. 

💫 Curious

Start conversations, be curious about who is sat next to you… what industry are they in, why are they attending the event, introduce yourself.  Especially to people who are standing alone, they are just as nervous as you are. Making that connection then helps to open conversations with others and you can introduce each other. Showing a genuine interest not only helps you to be remembered, it helps you remember others. 

💫 Kindness

Kindness is contagious, it is about showing respect, consideration, and genuine care.  Kindness doesn’t mean you’re soft it’s about clear communication and support.  This improves the rapport with your team but also with your business connections and customer satisfaction. Kindness helps to foster that ‘know, like, trust’ that leads to loyalty and a reputation that precedes you. Little acts of kindness go a long way, the thoughtful touches and how your make others feel. 

The ultimate value for success both personally and professionally is how you make others feel, that lasting impression.  The future of business belongs to leaders who are kind, sympathetic and modest. Leaders who show interest in others will rise together. Remember for every opportunity that is opened for your that you create one for someone else.  

Thank you for reading, if this was useful and if it could help someone in your network, please share. Thank you!

Wishing you continued success & prosperity ~ Diana x