Networking for PMM's - It's never too late to show up

Professional growth and transitions, such as moving into consultancy work as a Competitive Intelligence (CI) or Product Marketing (PMM) expert, often prompt reflection on past decision-making and timing.
A standard realization for professionals looking back on their career is that they frequently wait too long to begin certain initiatives, specifically those related to public presence.
Self-compassion is a necessary component of this reflection; the decisions made in the past were often based on the capacity and resources available at that time. Professionals often do their best under their specific circumstances, balancing the desire to be a good coworker, a dedicated employee, and a present family member.
The foundational advice for a professional self from several years prior is to start earlier, despite the demands of maintaining a work-life balance.

The term "personal brand" is often perceived as overly commercialized or "corny" in the modern professional landscape.
A more suitable and preferred term is "personal platform." This shift in terminology emphasizes the utility of a professional's presence as a space for engagement and networking rather than just a brand identity.
This realization regarding terminology often stems from cross-pollination of ideas on social networks like LinkedIn, where common terminology is frequently challenged and evolved by the community.

Moving to a new country creates a unique challenge of starting with a "zero network," necessitating a complete rebuild of professional connections from scratch.
Many professionals initially limit themselves to "local thinking," focusing networking efforts on:
- Local alumni networks from graduate school.
- Regional geographic clusters, such as the tech community in Austin, Texas.
- Local chapters of specific professional organizations (e.g., local PMM groups).
The onset of global events like COVID-19 and the resulting "Zoom fatigue" highlighted the limitations of strictly local networking.
Platforms like LinkedIn have evolved into spaces where networking transcends geographic boundaries, allowing for connections with professionals worldwide without the need to wait for a local chapter event.

LinkedIn is a repository of high-value information, described as "gold," even for those who choose not to post their own content but instead consume the work of others.
Learning is most effective when it bridges different professional functions:
- Product marketers can gain significant insights from sales professionals, particularly regarding sales-led enterprise environments.
- Insights from sellers are crucial for understanding expensive products, navigating complex buying committees, and managing long, complicated sales cycles.
Cross-pollination between product, marketing, and sales allows for a more holistic understanding of business operations.

Direct outreach to industry leaders can lead to substantive, real-world relationships.
An example of successful outreach includes contacting a top-tier professional whose work is admired, which can transition from a digital message to in-person coffee meetings when that professional travels for conferences.
Engaging in digital communities and professional events provides opportunities for participation beyond being a passive audience member:
- Active participation in live event chats.
- Sending appreciative notes to panel speakers when their insights provide a breakthrough or "blow your mind."
Validating someone else's work through positive feedback is highly received because putting oneself out in the public eye is a vulnerable and demanding process. This create a cycle of "pounding them on the back" which is naturally validating and encouraging to others.

"Building in public" is increasingly considered a core requirement of modern professional roles, regardless of title.
This requirement applies across the hierarchical spectrum, from Individual Contributors (ICs) to Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).
The practice does not necessarily require daily posting on social media; rather, it involves consistent engagement through:
- Commenting on others' work.
- Engaging in professional discourse.
This level of engagement provides significant learning opportunities and enhances a professional's standing within their specific field, such as Competitive Intelligence or Product Marketing.