S01:E40 Stop Wasting Time at Networking Events—Do This Instead

Summary

Most networking advice stops at “show up.” Sarah Hubbard goes further—way further. In this episode of Brand Chops, she shares the MAPP framework: Mindset, Authenticity, Precise Messaging, and Purposeful Follow-Through. Whether you’re an introvert navigating a crowded industry or a seasoned pro looking for an edge, Sarah’s strategies will help you build a brand people trust, remember, and refer. Get ready to rethink networking—not as a numbers game, but as a powerful brand-building tool.

Takeaways

• Networking should be purposeful and authentic.
• Feedback is crucial for improving your brand.
• The MAP framework includes mindset, intention, authenticity, precise messaging, and purposeful follow-through.
• Building trust requires consistency in actions.
• In crowded markets, personal branding is essential.
• Introverts can leverage technology to prepare for networking events.
• Creating meaningful connections is more important than pitching yourself.
• Active listening can uncover opportunities to help others.
• Follow-up should be personalized and genuine.
• Your brand is how you make people feel. 

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Intentional Networking
• 01:27 The Need for Authentic Networking
• 06:45 The MAP Framework for Personal Branding
• 11:09 Building Trust Through Consistency
• 22:06 Standing Out in a Crowded Market
• 28:33 The Importance of Problem-Solving Over Credentials
• 29:05 Differentiating in a Crowded Market
• 30:01 Listening to Customer Feedback
• 30:57 Branding Beyond Aesthetics
• 34:35 Networking Strategies for Introverts
• 37:51 Building Connections Through Personalization
• 39:32 The Power of Active Listening
• 42:16 Shifting the Focus from Selling to Listening
• 44:43 The Role of Storytelling in Networking
• 50:53 The Value of Personal Follow-Up

Contact Us

Brand Chops is brought to you by the fine people at Pivot Creative. Pivot Creative is a full service branding and marketing agency that partners with businesses to build brands that connect so that every dollar you spend is an investment and not an expense. If you need some branding or marketing guidance, a website, a new brand or want to learn more about one of the topics we cover on the show please reach out to us at pivotcreative.com. If you know someone that would benefit from learning more from one of our shows please share the episode, visit brand-chops.com and as always, like and subscribe if you find this content to be helpful. See you next time on Brand Chops, where we chop up brands to see what they're made of!