Here are five traits that have helped me to build my career in Denmark along with relationships at the highest levels.
– Content first attitude
When I arrived in Denmark, I had very few contacts and a minimal idea of how I could help Danish companies with my skills. I started a blog, but really: I wasn’t aware it would prove to be such a powerful tool.
It taught me a valuable lesson: humans value good content. By also keeping it fresh, I started to form invaluable relationships with Danish decision-makers on LinkedIn.
Over time, decision-makers in the retail tech industry in Denmark would invite me for meetings to help them in Brazil, the country I mainly focused on. It proved to be the inception of everything.
– Following footprints
I have always been curious about other people’s journeys. I love to learn what motivates them. To build a relationship with someone I haven’t spoken to before, I try finding out more from their digital footprints.
Have they written a book? A LinkedIn post? An article? Have they been featured in a publication? Have they delivered a speech, a TED TALK, anything?
It is all too common that many people consume content on LinkedIn, so looking for their digital footprints has enabled me to learn incredible things about the people I want to build a relationship with.
– Give, give, give. Ask later
What does the above mean? Well, people need help. ALWAYS. But the thing is: there is no visible ‘ROI’ in helping other people.
We have successfully launched and built global partnerships for retail tech companies by facilitating introductions and helping retail tech and coms professionals in multiple countries. It is pretty logical. Nothing beats a warm introduction.
– Put them on the stage
Who doesn’t like being on stage? Who doesn’t like being recognised for their efforts and their knowledge? Who doesn’t want to know that other people will listen to what they have to say?
Creating my STAGE and helping other clients do the same for their clients and partners has proven time and again how powerful this is.
– Moderately speaking
Moderating live panels has taught me (still learning, BTW!) how to prepare and speak to decision-makers at the highest level.
On multiple occasions I have felt intimidated when speaking with a significant thought leader or business authority, but I keep on pinching myself and reminding myself that they are all human beings like me. It helps me a lot to keep grounded.