Suzie Branch-Haddow on creating connections to unlock your potential
The latest episode of the Future Faces Podcast, spearheaded by host Sophie Poduval-Morrell, delves into the intricacies of networking as a young professional in today's competitive landscape.
The guest speaker is none other than Suzie Branch-Haddow, vice-principal for External Development at BMet College and winner of the Future Faces President's Award 2024. Suzie's journey and experiences provide invaluable lessons for anyone looking to succeed in their career through effective networking.
The Power of Networking
Suzie emphasizes the significance of networking in building a successful career. Despite her confident and award-winning presence, Suzie candidly shares her own experiences of apprehension and self-doubt, especially during her first networking event post-lockdown. Networking is not just about making connections; it's about establishing meaningful relationships that can propel your professional growth.
Suzie's journey from an SME marketing agency to a leadership role in further education underscores the potential of networking. Through perseverance and strategic relationship-building, she transformed her career trajectory, which has been enriched by her active participation in professional networks like Future Faces.
The Journey to Networking Mastery
For many young professionals entering the workforce, the absence of traditional networking opportunities during the pandemic created a gap in their relationship-building skills. Suzie acknowledges this challenge and highlights the importance of environments like Future Faces that provide a safe space to develop critical networking and relationship-building skills.
Suzie advises that effective networking requires prioritization and commitment. Instead of attending numerous events, focusing on specific gatherings aligned with your goals can maximize your impact. The key is to immerse yourself fully, foster genuine connections, and always follow up after meeting people to maintain those relationships.
Building Your Network
Suzie shares practical tips for building a network, such as obtaining a delegate list prior to events to strategically plan your interactions and making a point to break away from familiar faces to engage with new people. She emphasizes the need to be honest and candid about your intentions, whether you're at a networking event to build professional relationships or simply to learn from others.
The Impact of Recognition
Winning awards like the BYPY can be life-changing, as Suzie's experience illustrates. While it may not be the ultimate goal for everyone, recognition can open doors and provide opportunities to engage in impactful conversations. Suzie's story encourages individuals to apply for awards like the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards, as they not only offer validation but also the chance to expand your horizons.
Conclusion
Suzie's insights remind us that networking is a skill that takes time to cultivate. It requires genuine interest in others, openness to new experiences, and the courage to step out of your comfort zone. Whether you're seeking to advance your career or broaden your network, Suzie's advice serves as a practical guide. As you embark on your networking journey, remember to enjoy the process, learn from every interaction, and always strive to connect with authenticity.
Listen to Suzie's full podcast episode here:
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