The Power of Networking: The Hidden Advantage of Every Top Performer
- Milena S.
- Aug 6
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 8
How a Strong Support Network Empowers Brand Ambassadors to Grow into Industry Leaders.
In today’s competitive sales environment, Brand Ambassadors are more than just representatives of a product; they’re strategic connectors, trusted advisors, and often the first step in a customer’s brand journey. But in order to grow from a capable sales contributor into a respected leader, one key factor becomes non-negotiable: a strong professional network that provides support and guidance.
This topic explores why networking is essential for Brand Ambassadors, how to build one from the ground up, who to prioritise in your circle, and what tools, resources, and habits can support sustainable growth.
NOTE: At the end of this article, you can download your free Networking Guide, packed with practical steps to help you grow and maintain a powerful professional network.
Why Networking is Important
In sales, individual day-to-day performance is visible, but sustainable long-term success rarely happens in isolation. Whether you're building a personal brand, leading a team, or aiming to future-proof your career, the relationships you build today create the foundations for tomorrow’s opportunities.
A well-developed network provides:
Access to knowledge beyond your immediate coach, circle, or business
Faster problem-solving through shared insights and experience
Opportunities for collaboration, travelling, and new innovative ideas
Credibility and visibility within and beyond your industry
The shift from brand ambassador to an industry leader often happens when you start showing resourcefulness, not just results. And resourcefulness is largely driven by the quality of your network.
~ Build It Before You Need It ~
How to Start Building a High-Value Network
You don’t need years of experience or thousands of contacts to become a SMART NETWORKER and to begin networking strategically. It starts with three core actions:
Start with intention, not volume
Don’t focus on how many people you know, focus on knowing the right people well. Who in your industry is doing what you want to be doing in 2-5 years? Who seems to consistently deliver results, lead with integrity, or build high-performing teams?
Engage with consistency, not just during need.
Networking isn’t about reaching out when you need a favour. It’s about building rapport long before you need help. Comment on posts, send an article you think someone might appreciate, show up to industry events, attend conferences, communicate well, engage in activities and sessions - make an effort.
Add value where you can
Even if you’re early in your journey, you can offer value, whether it’s sharing your field experience, introducing someone to a contact, or simply being reliable. Leaders remember people who contribute, not just those who ask.
Who to Network With
To grow strategically, diversify your network across experience, industries, and functions. Consider including:
Peers – Other high-performing Brand Ambassadors (inside or outside of your organisation) who can share insights, ideas, best practices etc.
Leaders – Coaches, and Brand Ambassadors who are leading others
Marketing & Product Experts – To better understand brand positioning and customer feedback loops
Recruiters or Talent Partners – Key allies when you’re looking to expand into new markets, cities or build people
Personal Development Mentors – Those focused on mindset, resilience, and performance.
Your aim isn’t to have hundreds of passive connections. It’s to cultivate 10–20 active, strategic relationships that challenge you, support you, and open doors you wouldn’t reach alone.
~ Who You Know Shapes Who You Become ~
Finding the Right Balance in Networking
Networking is a skill, and like any skill, it works best when there’s a balance. Some people avoid networking altogether, missing out on opportunities and insights. Others over-network, spreading themselves too thin and ending up with a long list of shallow connections that bring little value.
The sweet spot is being intentional, making time for quality conversations with people who can genuinely add value to your growth, and to whom you can offer value in return. Networking should feel like an investment, not an obligation.
Tools and Resources to Support Your Networking Efforts
Building a network is not simply about the act of connecting; it's also about the tools and resources that can help you engage effectively. Below are some of the most effective tools and resources that can support you in building, nurturing, and leveraging a strong professional network.
Books: Invest time in reading books on networking and interpersonal skills.
Books on networking, influence, and personal leadership can provide timeless strategies that directly support your growth as a Brand Ambassador. Here are a few highly recommended titles:
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi - A practical, no-fluff guide to building intentional relationships that create opportunity and influence.
Give and Take by Adam Grant - A fresh, research-backed perspective on how generosity in networking can fuel long-term leadership success.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - A foundational read on human connection, persuasion, and timeless interpersonal principles.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey - A leadership classic that begins with self-mastery and expands into relationship effectiveness and long-term impact.
These books don’t just teach theory; they sharpen your ability to connect with purpose, lead with empathy, and build a network that reflects the leader you're becoming.
Podcasts: Consider listening to podcasts that feature networking strategies, interviews with industry leaders, and discussions on best practices. Shows like "The Art of Charm" can offer valuable insights.
- The Ed Mylett Show - Mindset meets performance
Ed interviews top performers across industries with a focus on confidence, connection, and building relationships that matter. Perfect for ambition-driven Brand Ambassadors.
- On Purpose with Jay Shetty - Emotional intelligence + purpose-driven leadership
Jay dives into psychology, purpose, and the softer skills of leadership - great for anyone building trust and presence in the field.
- The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes - Sales, storytelling, and success habits
This podcast covers influence, brand-building, and how to connect meaningfully - ideal for Brand Ambassadors looking to grow their personal and professional presence.
- The Sales Evangelist - Sales training with a networking twist
Hosted by Donald Kelly, this podcast is packed with prospecting techniques, networking strategies, and communication tips for ambitious sales professionals.
- Lead to Win with Michael Hyatt - Balanced leadership growth
Focused on leadership habits, focus, and effectiveness - great for those juggling goals, routines, and growing responsibilities in sales roles.
Networking Apps and Platforms: There are several apps available that cater specifically to networking. Social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and even Snapchat offer powerful opportunities to learn from and connect with high-value voices, if you're following the right audience. Think of these platforms not just as entertainment, but as educational spaces where you can observe leadership styles, communication techniques, and personal branding strategies in real time. The key is to be intentional: curate your feed, engage with value, and show up consistently.
Social Events: Engage in local community events or charity functions where you can meet new people in a less formal environment.
Learning Hub: Take your networking skills from ideas to action with our Learning Hub. Inside, you’ll find practical tools, conversation templates, and strategies to help you build and maintain a high-value network. Think of it as your go-to space for growth, somewhere you can return to whenever you need fresh strategies, inspiration, or a reminder to keep your networking intentional. The more you invest in your own development, the more value you bring to your network. Visit our Learning Hub today and take advantage of extra knowledge and development to support your networking journey.
Your Network Determines Your Net-Worth
There’s a well-known saying in business: Your network is your net-worth. In business and specific industries, this is more than just a catchy phrase - it’s A STRATEGY.
Your network is the reflection of how you lead, how you learn, and how you contribute. It will influence what you're exposed to, who thinks of you for future opportunities, and how fast you can grow, personally and professionally.
As a Brand Ambassador, your future lies not just in the results you deliver today, but in the relationships you invest in over time. Whether it’s through mentorship, peer collaboration, or thought leadership within communities like Your Support Network, every interaction can compound into something greater.
So...
Connect with purpose.
Lead with value.
Build with consistency.
Building a strong network isn’t something we do once, it’s a skill we develop and maintain over time. Every connection we make has the potential to open doors, share knowledge, and shape our growth.
To help you put today’s ideas into action, we’ve created a free, actionable Networking Guide you can download below. It’s packed with practical steps, reflection prompts, and follow-up tips to make networking a consistent, valuable part of your professional journey.
📥 Download Your Networking Guide Here and start building a network that works for you.
The strongest Brand Ambassadors don’t stand alone.
They’re supported, surrounded, and connected.
That’s what turns a role into a career, and a Brand Ambassador into a respected leader.