Key Takeaways
Building and nurturing relationships are fundamental to developing a strong personal brand. Understanding and connecting with people on a deep level is crucial for success and authenticity in various professional roles.
Skills gained from one field, such as understanding human behavior and building rapport, can seamlessly transfer to other fields like sales and marketing. These skills help establish trust with clients and colleagues, adapt to different professional environments, and achieve significant career milestones.
Joining professional communities and actively engaging on platforms like LinkedIn™ are instrumental for personal and professional growth. These platforms provide valuable insights, diverse perspectives, and opportunities to build meaningful connections, emphasizing the role of relationships in shaping a strong personal brand.
Table of Contents
They say it’s not what you know but who you know and how you treat them. This mantra has been a guiding principle throughout my career, from my early days as an aspiring actor to my current role as a marketing communications professor. My journey has been anything but conventional, but one thing has remained constant: the power of relationships in shaping my personal brand.
In this blog, I will share how relationships have been the cornerstone of my personal branding journey. From having a deep understanding of people’s behavior as an actor to leveraging professional connections in sales and marketing, and finally, to the supportive environment of the Human to Brand Community, every step of my path has been influenced by the people I’ve met along the way.
Early Lessons from Acting
My journey began on the stage, a place where understanding and connecting with people was not just an advantage but a necessity. As an actor, my goal was to captivate and engage my audience, a skill that required a deep understanding of human emotions and behavior.
During my time at the High School of Performing Arts and later at Hunter College, I learned that acting wasn’t just about delivering lines; it was about building relationships with the characters I portrayed and the audience who watched.
These early experiences instilled in me the ability to connect with others on a deep level, to understand their needs and desires, and to build relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Little did I know that these skills would become the foundation of my personal brand.
Transition to Sales and Marketing
My shift from acting to sales was both unexpected and transformative. After my acting career began to wander, I found myself exploring new avenues to sustain myself. A friend suggested I try sales, a profession I initially viewed with skepticism. However, I quickly realized that the skills honed as an actor were incredibly transferable to this new field.
In sales, building rapport and establishing trust with clients were paramount. My ability to analyze people and get into their comfort zones, developed through years of performing, allowed me to connect with clients on a personal level. I remember a particularly challenging sales pitch early in my career. The client was initially uninterested and unresponsive, but by tapping into my acting skills, I was able to read his body language, adjust my approach, and ultimately win him over. This experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and empathy in building successful relationships.
As I transitioned into marketing, these relationship-building skills became even more critical. Whether working in the pharmaceutical industry, magazine publishing, or entertainment, my success was largely dependent on the networks I built and the trust I established with colleagues and clients.
Building a Personal Brand in Publishing and Entertainment
When I transitioned to magazine publishing, the stakes were higher, and the relationships were more complex. Leading magazines such as Modern Bride, American Baby, and HEALTHY KIDS required a deep understanding of the audience but also strong relationships with advertisers, editorial teams, and industry influencers.
At Marvel, relationships took on a new dimension as I was tasked with expanding the brand beyond comic books into film, animation, licensing, and digital. Building a rapport with creative teams, executives, and industry partners was essential. I spent three years there, significantly boosting the Marvel brand and revenue streams. I went from Spider-Man and X-Men to Warner Bros to Batman and Superman, but it was all about relationships once again!
The Role of The Human to Brand Community
Joining the Human to Brand Community marked a new chapter in my personal branding journey. This community provided a supportive environment where I could connect with like-minded professionals and learn from their experiences.
One memorable experience within the community was during a discussion on AI in marketing. A fellow member shared insights that challenged my existing perceptions and opened my eyes to new possibilities. This exchange not only enriched my knowledge but also underscored the importance of surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives and niche expertise. The Human to Brand Community has been a source of inspiration, support, and growth, further solidifying my belief in the power of relationships.
The Power of Relationships on LinkedIn™
LinkedIn™ has been my go-to platform for professional networking and personal branding. I’ve been on LinkedIn™ forever, and I would say I’m on LinkedIn™ just about every day. The relationships I’ve maintained and built on this platform have been invaluable. LinkedIn™ provides a unique space for meaningful interactions, professional development, and knowledge exchange. The ability to engage with a global audience and share insights has made LinkedIn™ an indispensable tool in my branding and networking arsenal.
Teaching and Continuing to Build Relationships
Teaching at the Fashion Institute of Technology has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. It allows me to build relationships with students and colleagues, sharing my knowledge and learning from them in return. One of the greatest joys of teaching is the opportunity to shape young minds and prepare them for successful careers. I find immense fulfillment in not only imparting knowledge and facts but also inspiring students to think critically and creatively. By creating a classroom environment that simulates real-world challenges, I empower them to apply their learning to practical situations. It’s about more than just enlightening students; it’s about igniting a passion for learning and equipping them with the tools to thrive in the world beyond the classroom.
Conclusion
Throughout my journey, relationships have been the cornerstone of my personal branding success. From the early lessons in acting to the diverse experiences in sales, marketing, and teaching, the connections I’ve built have shaped my path and propelled my career forward. My story is a testament to the power of connecting with people to build a strong, authentic personal brand.
Want to learn more about this topic? Make sure to follow Joel Ehrlich on LinkedIn™.
