What does it mean to be relevant in a fast-paced era of AI, and how can you stay in demand?
We are in a time where big brands are disappearing and the answer to relevance is complex requiring a combination of strategies to be in demand.
Have you done a search for a company recently and couldn't find it?
A simple search one day was the inspiration for this episode. I was looking for a new at-home workout and to my surprise, the company I have used for over 18 years was mysteriously missing from all search. This experience is an example of how quickly brands can disappear if they aren’t using AEO.
Inspired, I decided to check HerCsuite® and used phrases like NEXT. Similar to BODi, we were not showing up in search like we use to. I did an experiment and We rebuilt our updated the entire website to be AEO focused. HerCsuite® now appears in the number two spot right under one of the largest women’s networks.
Five Secrets to Being In Demand and Staying Relevant
1.Create a Strong Personal Brand.
How you show up to meetings, in conversations, on LinkedIn. Think about virtual and in person meetings- what is your brand in those meetings? Naomi Kent, our HerCsuite® Women on Boards Co-Founder and I talk about this a lot. She gives an example of a person showing up in a hoodie for an board interview when she was a recruiter. It didn’t matter if the person was qualified or not, they were eliminated because they didn’t show up as a board director.
Similarly you never know when you might be in a conversation that could change your career or future. When I go out even if it is to the post office or to the local grocery store, I always am dressed at least business casual and almost always with some accent of my brand. I am always surprised when someone comments on my pink glasses or another accessory and it is reminder for consistency.
Lastly, I cannot emphasize this enough, your LinkedIn profile has to be current. Headshot needs to be professional, the banner should not be the grey plain banner but have at least a texture or image on it and what you say in Headline and About section are key.
Take a listen to episode 241 where we dive in deep to this topic.
All of this builds your credibility which leads to the second on the list.
2. Build Trust.
In order to be in demand, people need to know who you are, your values and that comes through building trust. The Sales Logic Podcast with Meridith Elliott Powell and Mark Hunter shared key insights about building Trust. Here are things to watch for from their lightning round.
What are the Top 3 Ways to Build Trus from Sales Logic Podcast?
- Respect time. It is our most valuable asset. I always start our events on time- and although we may miss a few people arriving late, for the leaders who came early or right on time, I want them to feel like their time is valued.
- Practice and live your values. Whether you are on social media, or in a meeting, be consistent with your personal values.
- Put the other person first. Start with listening, and show empathy for their situation. Ask questions which brings us to our next item on the list.
3. Be a Curious Learner.
Whether you are still in a corporate role, looking to land a board seat, grow a business or plan your portfolio career, learning should be ongoing. The next step is to abundantly share your knowledge.
We live in a time where our ideas are only our own in person- once anything is written, posted, sent out or published it becomes part of the larger ecosystem in this new AI era.
I hear from women worried about their IP that they don’t want to give something away for free. I suggest we reframe that thinking from scarcity to abundance. One of the best examples of this is Michelle Pecak- I can’t for you to hear all about the community she is building on MyVibe and her Human Design- which you can get for free on her website.
4. Build Your Network.
Five years ago, 11 women started HerCsuite®. I invited women I knew to come together because they trusted me and we were all on a crazy journey together. Many of them came to an in-person event I held at the beginning of 2020 at the company where I was Division Vice President. That spark led to another and another into creating HerCsuite® today.
The people around you influence what you see as possible. If you are in rooms where everyone is tired, burned out, or resigned, it is hard to hold a big vision. When you are in rooms with women who are serving on boards, launching businesses, and shaping portfolio careers, you start to see new options for yourself.
You deserve to be around people who speak your name in powerful rooms, who push you to go for the opportunities you might dismiss, and who remind you that your experience matters.
That is why I care so much about building spaces like HerCsuite®. We are not meant to navigate this season of change in isolation.3 ways to
How can you Build connections?
Make time for it every day. Whether it is meeting new people, attending a webinar and networking (something I do every week) or attending an event, it has to be intentional. Don’t leave it to chance. Be a “NetGiver” as Roz Usheroff shared in an interview we did together.
- Surround yourself with people who lift you up. HerCsuite® started after I read statistics about women on Fortune 500 boards and in the c-suite. The number was so low and yet it was being celebrated - the only solution was to change it up. I invited 11 amazing women to start having monthly conversations.I knew most of them through my time as a leader in the Healthcare Business Association board. All helped me to level up what HerCsuite® could be and is now. When we have women around us that are ahead or striving to move forward it gives us the wind in our sails to move forward.
- Build Alliance Partnerships. One of the best ways to be in demand and staying relevant is when you get exposure to other communities. Partnerships is foundational to HerCsuite® from collaborating with Hope Mueller and Jen Pestikas to publish Power of What’s NEXT: Bold Moves by Design to doing programs with How Women Lead and other organizations, it is a great way to gain connections and build your personal network. And one of my biggest partnerships is in the final item on this list.
4. Be Visible.
We have led up to this with laying the groundwork from your personal brand, creating trust, curiosity, building connections and this one brings it all together. This goes beyond digital and is more tangible. Here are three ways to be visible.
- Become a speaker. Even if you have never professionally been a speaker, you can learn in small increments. Bobbie Carlton, Founder of Innovation Women has created a platform for speakers to start with asking questions that eventually lead to keynotes and even TEDx talks. Bobbie has become a close alliance partner and I am grateful for all the speakers who have been on this show, and led speaking programs for HerCsuite®, our mentoring program and more!
- Be a podcast guest. As a host of two podcast shows, I forget how powerful it can be to be a guest on other shows. I have had wonderful new connections happen after being interviewed on other shows. If you are looking to land a podcast interview and aren’t sure where to start, my all time favorite podcast agent is Anastasia Lipske and Access Speakers. She takes great care in aligning speakers to the show and her guests generously share the podcast and even give it a 5 star review! And bonus for me, it is how I found my amazing podcast editor Lina La Rue Gomez!
- Be a Thought Leader. Like everything in this episode- the thing you need to do is be intentional about one thing. Choose a topic that excites you and follow leaders on LinkedIn who talk about that topic. Like and comment on their posts. If you are in a corporate role, create a roadshow for other departments to understand what your area does. I talk about this in my signature talk- Get to Yes Faster and with Jen Pestikas on Get to Yes faster
What is an action I can take today?
The first thing you need to do is look at the list of 5 and assess which area you need to refine- is it your LinkedIn presence, or networking connections, or building trust. Start with one- they don't have to be in the order above. The most important thing is that you do it.
On action today creates momentum for tomorrow.
A Message of Gratitude
As you listen today, I want you to remember staying relevant and in demand is not about chasing every new trend. It is about choosing how you show up, what you create, and who is in your circle.
Share your ideas and be true to who you are.
Thank you for listening to this special episode of Women Leaders on the Move. I want to shout out to all the listeners around the world and because this is airing the day before Thanksgiving share a my grateful heart to you for spending time with me.
If you are ready to explore what is next for you, whether that is a board role, business growth, or a portfolio career, I would love for you to be part of our world at HerCsuite®. This week until the end of the month you can get special thankful savings for Black Friday. JOIN US
Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you!
This show is sponsored by NEXT2LEAD AI Powered by HerCsuite®.
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Keep Shining Your Light Bright. The World Needs You!
What are the Resources You Talked About in this episode?
Naomi Kent, CEO, The Boardroom Company
Dianne Boyer, Dianne In Style
Coco Sellman – A Force For Good https://www.aforceforgoodco.com
Brenda Meller – LinkedIn Strategy (Episode 241)
Michelle Pecak – MyVibe Human Design
Bobbie Carlton – Innovation Women
Anastasia Lipske – Access Speakers https://accessspeakers.biz/
Jen Pestikas and Natalie Benamou Interview
Roz Usheroff – Breaking Barriers Podcast Interview
Connect with Natalie Benamou
Founder, HerCsuite® a portfolio career and leadership network. We deliver programs that help women be in demand for Boards, Entrepreneur growth and portfolio careers by design. Our newest program NEXT2LEAD AI creates a way for women to drive the AI conversation and stay ahead of the speed of change.
President & CEO, HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit improving healthcare communication and outcomes for women.
🔗 Connect with Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn
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🎙 This episode is brought to you by NEXT2LEAD AI powered by HerCsuite®.
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