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Building a strong, trusted network goes far beyond just being in the right room, it’s about creating meaningful connections and adding value to others. When I sat down with Dennis Yu on a Sunday afternoon, he shared powerful insights about personal branding and the importance of authentic relationships in business growth.
In this article, we’ll share the insights that can reshape your approach to networking and content creation.
Start with Purposeful Connections
Start by focusing on purposeful connections. Dennis Yu’s approach is simple: every relationship should serve a clear purpose. He demonstrated how he maps out his network to show exactly who’s involved and why. Networking is about understanding how those connections fit into a bigger strategy.
Consider the high-profile lunch with the CFO of Vizio and other influential figures. This wasn’t just a casual meal, it was an opportunity to learn from top industry players and strengthen a network that supports our broader goals.
Dennis shared a story about a company hiring an agency for a website project simply because that agency had worked with a similar company before.
He wasn’t suggesting taking over their project, just adding value. “Why not add a few more pages?” he asked. “What harm can it do to give people more information about who you are and what you do?” By updating something as simple as a bio or adding a new page, you can see real results. It’s about being intentional, thinking ahead, and using every connection to build something meaningful.
Dennis highlighted his collaborations with individuals like Amanda Holmes, the head of Ultimate Sales Machine, and Brendan King, the CEO of Vendasta. Working with leaders of this caliber not only elevates his credibility but also sets the tone for how our company is perceived in the market.
Every time he meets someone new, whether at a conference or through mutual friends, he notes what they’re passionate about and how their skills might complement others in his network. Over time, this practice has led to multiple productive collaborations
When he connected a talented videographer with a nonprofit seeking to increase their visibility. That introduction resulted in a campaign that helped the nonprofit triple their reach, all because of the connections Dennis had recorded and maintained.
Before creating any new content or preparing for a meeting, consider how the individual fits into the Topic Wheel. What is their unique value? How does their role in the network support our overarching goals? As Dennis said, when you know how everyone fits into the larger ecosystem, you turn every interaction into a meaningful opportunity.
Leverage Your Existing Content
Reuse your existing content to unlock its full potential. Dennis Yu emphasized the value of repurposing old videos, podcasts, and blog posts into fresh, engaging pieces. Instead of starting from scratch, he suggested taking a full-length interview and breaking it into short clips.
These clips don’t just fill the content calendar, they reinforce your expertise, highlight your ongoing efforts, and keep your audience engaged.
By consistently reusing and reshaping past material, you lighten your workload while maintaining credibility. As Dennis pointed out, these aren’t just snippets; they’re proof that you’re actively involved, delivering real value over time, and not just talking about success, but showing it.
During a presentation at a conference, the audience might be small, but the right camera angles and thoughtful framing can still produce impact footage. The key is to focus on the message rather than the setting, creating content that remains relevant and authentic regardless of the venue.
Dennis Yu’s philosophy is built on a straightforward principle: “ Learn-Do-Teach,.” It means you have to do the work before you can guide others. By basing advice on real-world experience, you ensure your insights are credible and actionable.
Dennis emphasizes the importance of documenting your process, tracking the steps you take, and sharing lessons learned along the way. This kind of transparency shows that you’ve been in the trenches, and it helps others trust your approach. In turn, it strengthens your personal brand and motivates others to apply those lessons to their own work.
Building authenticity and credibility starts with being real about what you’ve done and who you’ve helped. Dennis Yu’s approach isn’t about projecting an image of success; it’s about genuinely delivering value and sharing the results. By surrounding himself with “idea generators” and visionary thinkers, Dennis has amplified his own success. It’s proof that the company you keep and the trust you earn are essential to long-term growth.
Dennis stressed the importance of maintaining integrity. This means not only delivering on your promises but also distancing yourself from those who don’t. By focusing on authentic connections and consistently providing value, you solidify your authority and build a personal brand that stands on solid ground.
Seth Jordan
Seth Jordan is a seasoned social media strategist and the founder of Jordan Media. His journey into the digital space began at 16 when he leveraged Instagram to stand out in the modeling industry, ultimately growing his personal brand to over 100,000 followers. His modeling career took him around the world, including a notable stint in Seoul, South Korea, fueling his passion for travel and content creation.
An avid soccer player and fitness enthusiast, Seth thrives in outdoor settings. Growing up in West Virginia, he embraced hiking, kayaking, and soccer—activities that continue to inspire his adventurous spirit.
After years of freelancing, Seth transitioned into managing social media accounts for brands, including EYOS Expeditions. He has since collaborated with major companies like Nike and Fanta, using his expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and audience engagement to drive impactful results.