By

Tory Archbold

Founder and Director, Powerful Steps

Powerful Steps have been a member of My Business since July 2020.

I invested my time and energy into attracting and connecting with people aligned with my values of passion, integrity and delivery because I know, and believe in the power of face-to-face connections. 

My global network enabled me to hold Powerful Steps corporate leadership workshops and launch global mentoring programs which have helped high-powered professionals make significant leaps and bounds in their careers.

Wanting to share my success is what inspired me to create ‘The Coffee Challenge’. A simple formula that helps others benefit in their professional and personal lives. I love seeing how The Coffee Challenge empowers people to connect and opens them up to opportunity.

What is the coffee challenge?

If you want to attract the right professional opportunities, you have to step outside your comfort zone. The Coffee Challenge formula is the most powerful and inexpensive way to connect and grow your network. 

A coffee date for two is less than $10 anywhere in the world and takes only 30 minutes of your time. For just $30 a week, you can make three powerful connections, share your capabilities, add value and build your global network

Four tips for building your network

Consider who’s already in your network. Who is the most valuable person in your network that you can connect with to take your next powerful step?

Each week I choose someone I know, someone in my professional network and someone outside of my comfort zone, and I aim high.

To make this important first contact, I pick up the phone, leverage email, LinkedIn, or request an introduction from a mutual contact (this gives you credibility) and I ask to meet.

It’s how authentic professional connections are made. 

Personal brand positioning is key to your success. Your personal brand must reflect who you are and align with the people you want to attract. Your LinkedIn and social media presence must be relevant.

Invest in good photography which reflects the real you – you want to become a super attractor for like-minded professionals to build your network authentically.

Nothing compares to the power of meeting in-person. People want to know the face behind the email or LinkedIn photo. It’s a chance to show you’re genuinely interested in making a connection. 

Choose a venue which is inspiring, has a great vibe to make a lasting impact. Most importantly the venue should reflect who you are as a person. 

My go-to in Sydney is Bambini Trust. Its where I formed my relationships over a coffee date with My Business and formed a partnership to inspire others that anything in business is possible when you choose to become more visible in a virtual world.

This has translated into Zoom and FaceTime calls with my connections during lockdown – I always bring my coffee mug along to reinforce the authenticity and intention of the coffee date and why we are connecting in this way.

Follow up after coffee. Send a quick email within 24 hours thanking your new connection for their time. Know what projects they're working on, share their relevant content to your network, and make introductions to other professionals that could support their success. 

To truly step into your power, build your global network and become a business attractor with these four steps will ensure you remain ahead of the game, make an impact and watch your business network grow.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of My Business. 

Tory Archbold

Founder and Director, Powerful Steps

Tory is an inspirational keynote speaker and the Founder of leadership platform, Powerful Steps. Powerful Steps empowers people worldwide to overcome their personal and professional challenges, and move forward into their next chapter with grace and confidence.