Using your Digital Profile to Build & Grow Your Network

Whether it’s Fortune, Inc, Forbes, The Economist, TIME, Financial Times or other top international business publications, CEOs and other leaders with little or no digital presence, or those relying on a sparse/out of date LinkedIn profile, are missing out on many global opportunities for themselves, their organisations, as well as opportunities for global careers, Board and/or Advisory roles.

While there are some exceptions, many CEOs and other leaders in Africa have very little visibility on the global stage. There's no question that media bias plays a part and yet despite many hurdles encountered, some younger leaders on the continent (especially those in tech and renewables), have managed to break through attracting the attention of global recruiters, investors as well as, media platforms. Is it simply a coincidence that many of them seem active in terms of their digital presence and platforms thus making it a lot easier for them to be found?

If you’re supposedly a leading thinker in your field, but none of the other prominent voices know who you are, you’re not going to be taken seriously by global peers or, (business) publications/channels.

TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY AS A GLOBAL THINKER, PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW YOU

While it’s not unusual for an EMEA Executive to be based in London or Paris, why is it that we rarely see a CEO or COO based in Nairobi or Accra, managing teams in the USA, UK or the EU? More African CEOs and other Execs. need to expand their digital brand and follow in the steps of: Rosalind Brewer, an African American woman who has broken a lot of glass (some would argue concrete) ceilings to become the CEO of Walgreens (a nearly $140 billion retailer and pharmacy that ranks No. 19 on the Fortune 500). Rosalind is now one of the most powerful business women in the world thanks to her: perseverance, breaking glass ceilings, building and nurturing a diverse network of top executives (enabling her to be well positioned to take advantage of promotional opportunities whenever they rose (often being recommended by the same networks that she built over the years)), her ability to build diverse teams and always being quick off the mark to utilise technology and thus enable her company to expand and grow its customer base, has earned her a reputation as one of the top CEOs in the world.

THE PANDEMIC HAS ALSO SHONE A LIGHT ON DIVERSITY - With the ongoing pandemic and calls for more diversity, it will become increasingly difficult for many European & USA organisations to justify not hiring locals for many of their senior exec. roles within their Africa operations or indeed, to not hire African executives in their London offices if/when most of their operations are centred on the continent.

HOW DIGITAL NETWORKING CAN ACCELERATE YOUR BRAND GLOBALLY - No matter where in the world they're from, if you reach out to people, before they often agree to connect with you, they'll often google you and ask themselves, "How can this person help me? What value added do they bring to my life/career?" This may sound harsh but this is the reality and is why many successful USA executives have their own (personal) websites - to show a side to them (in their own words), which is often not captured on their LinkedIn profiles. Your own website enables you to share your thoughts, ideas, and non work related issues such as hobbies (marathon runner), mentorships or other voluntary work, or activities of which LinkedIn is not the suitable platform. This is how people will get to know you before agreeing to connect with you online. For example, someone who is far more ahead than you in terms of career progression, may agree to connect with you because your platform has showcased you as a top marathon runner, golfer, writer or poet, passions which s/he also may also share and so immediately, there is a connection. Times have also changed; networking & connecting is no longer about face-to-face meetings with fellow execs at the local golf club or roundtable. While these events may be helpful, they can often be restricting and not diverse enough.

HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED NETWORKING - It's a fact that some people are introverts and so meeting people face to face for a few hours is/was fairly daunting. However, networking is now more digital and is about making connections with potential partners outside our time zones; be this in Singapore, London, Accra, Tokyo, New York, and then building and growing these relationships as Rosalind Brewer did. In addition to her work ethics, Rosemary's networks played a crucial role in her career progression.

BUILD AND MAINTAIN YOUR NETWORK - We’re judged by the company we keep. If you’re supposedly a leading thinker in your field, but none of the other prominent voices in your industry know who you are, then you’re not going to be taken seriously. If you’re following an international career path or looking to scale up your business, build your brand & reputation to attract the attention of global movers, shakers, investors or Executive Search companies, then an online profile with all your achievements, will go a long way towards helping you on this journey. The reality is, no one will trust your expertise if they cannot see it for themselves.

NEXT STEPS?

Whether you’re looking for, or wish to discuss leadership development, networking tips, interview techniques, drafting, designing & customising your CV, negotiation tips, or have questions on how to build or grow your digital profile (LinkedIn or website), please click the link below to learn more ExecutivePortal