Yessss, ya’ll! I am beyond excited to introduce you to my hairstylist and celebrity hair artist, Vincent Tobias Bell, someone you absolutely need to know. In a recent episode of The Real Connect podcast, we dive into all things networking, how to confidently walk into any room and the strategies you need to level up professionally and achieve personal growth.
Vincent has worked on Maybelline campaigns, New York Fashion Week, and the Met Gala. He’s been in rooms with the best of the best, but getting there didn’t happen overnight.
For Vincent, the journey began with pure determination and grit. He remembers hustling, lugging his hairstyling tools onto Atlanta’s public transportation, the Marta, and traveling across the city just to take care of his clients. Now, he’s in spaces where networking and connections have propelled his career to new heights. Through his self-improvement mindset, he pushed past obstacles and stepped into bigger opportunities.
How to Elevate Your Networking Game
- Be Open to Growth: Accepting critique and refining your self-development skills will help you level up.
- Know Your Worth: Raising your prices and setting standards attracts the right clientele and professional circles.
- Seek the Right Connections: Align yourself with people who push you to elevate and expand your mindset.
- Set Clear Personal Development Goals: Being intentional about your goals helps you navigate networking events with purpose.
Vincent and I share what we’d like to call game-changing advice for those struggling with confidence in networking.
- Prepare Beforehand: Gather details about the room and the people you’ll meet to feel more comfortable.
- Introduce Yourself to Everyone: You never know who might help shape your journey.
- Ask Intentional Questions: Show curiosity and engagement to foster real conversations.
- Find Alignment: Some connections naturally feel right, so lean into those relationships.
- Own Your Space: Walk in knowing you belong in that room. Confidence attracts opportunities.
Here’s the thing, networking isn’t just about transactions; it’s about building genuine relationships. Vincent has mastered the balance between strategic connections and authenticity. The key? Use your strengths, create win-win relationships, and always show up as your authentic self. The ability to develop self-growth through these interactions can set you apart from others in your industry.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow. The first networking event you attend might feel intimidating, or the third one, you might not have your pitch down right, but clarity comes from action. Keep showing up, and you’ll soon easily navigate these rooms. Set professional development goals that align with your networking efforts, and you’ll see long-term success.
Listen to the full conversation on the Real Connect Podcast:
Until next time—step into every room with intention, confidence, and the mindset to win!