Episode 36: The Power of Networking and Building Your Personal Brand with Philip Wilkerson

Today, I am joined by Philip Wilkerson, a career advisor and host of the "Positive Philter" podcast. 

Phil shares his insights and strategies on personal branding, networking, and building meaningful connections.

Listen in as he shares his practical tips for networking effectively and promoting yourself in the digital space through aligning your personal brand with who you truly are and how to use the power of consistency and leveraging your stories to build your brand reputation.

Plus, Phil shares his most important advice for recent college graduates “Leaving the Nest.”

Thanks again for listening to "Leaving The Nest." I hope you enjoy my conversation with Phil!

Please leave us a review wherever you are listening and share this episode with others you know who are just "Leaving the Nest." 

In This Episode

[00:33] - Kathleen introduces listeners to Phil Wilkerson. Phil is here today to share his valuable advice on building your own brand, effective networking, and relationship-building.

[01:18] - Phil shares his college journey and how he navigated his career path, from being uncertain in college to finding his passion.

[04:22] - The one thing in Phil's background that sparked his interest in education and his decision to pursue school counseling at George Mason University.

[04:49] - Phil's decision to switch from the school counseling track to the community agency track and the one thing that changed his perspective.

[06:49] - Phil's journey after graduation and a return to George Mason University.

[09:10] - The importance of maintaining relationships: how Phil's connection with the staff at George Mason University led to a job opportunity.

[08:11] - Importance of networking and building relationships, not just for transactional purposes but as an opportunity to create genuine connections based on shared interests.

[08:39] - Networking is a long-term game where opportunities arise organically. Phil shares his best networking tips and where you should put your focus. 

[11:44] - Networking is a two-way street; what you should focus on to expand your network. 

[13:12] - Follow-up and staying in touch: the who, what, when, and where of reaching out. 

[15:23] - Balancing virtual and in-person engagement for networking success. Phil shares his strategies to leverage online platforms like LinkedIn, LinkedIn audio events, Twitter chats, and Instagram hashtags to connect with professionals virtually.

[17:47] - Utilizing LinkedIn's features to make a memorable impression. 

[19:26] - How to avoid paralysis by analysis. Putting your best foot forward and showcasing yourself is essential, but excessive rehearsing and perfecting may hinder finding a balance that works for you.

[20:47] - Phil shares the key to building confidence and improving networking skills. 

[24:04] - The skills networking helped you develop that you might not have thought about before. 

[24:24] - What goes into building YOUR personal 'Coca-Cola style' brand?

[25:01] - Presenting yourself to the world: the importance of brand alignment.

[26:44] - How brand alignment helps others connect with you AND builds trust. 

[28:04] - How embracing authenticity and consistency in personal branding, even on off days, helps build a solid reputation.

[28:39] - Strategies small and medium-sized businesses