Lessons learned from Issa Rae: Networking Across & Creating Synergy Maps

Issa Rae has been one of my inspirations since 2016 when I started watching her hit show on HBO Insecure. She inspires as an entrepreneur because she is a visionary but more importantly she collaborates with other creators along the way. Issa is a trailblazer and she taught me two very important business lessons that I will share with you in this blog.

1. The concept of networking across

2. The importance of creating a synergy map

Networking Across

I love Issa Rae’s take on networking. It is true, so often we think we must network with high level people or simply put, decision makers. The reality is we should also be networking across or in Issa’s words “It really is about networking across. Who is next to you? Who is struggling? Who is in the trenches with you? Who is just as hungry as you? And those are the people you need to build with”.

I love the concept of networking across because it paves the way for other people on your level to collaborate on your vision. It doesn’t require you to pitch to a high level executive or go to a high ticket networking event. Instead you just have to look around and answer the questions Issa asked:

1. Who is next to you?

2. Who is struggling?

3. Who is in the trenches with you?

4. Who is just as hungry as you?

Action Item:

Write down on a piece of paper names of the people to the above questions. Reach out to them and ask them to collaborate on your next project.

Example: This can be as simple as you writing a guest blog for them or interviewing them on your podcast.

Synergy Maps

I make vision boards every year, revamp my business plans, and create content calendars. Something I haven’t done was create a Synergy Map. “The synergy map method was developed in 1998 by Martin Eppler. The Synergy Map facilitates the visual discussion of the main goals and subgoals necessary to move the implementation of a strategy forward during a particular time frame.

While Issa Rae wasn’t the first person to create a synergy map, hers has really inspired me and made me think about the value of creating this in addition to a business plan. Synergy maps outline the interconnectivity of each of your visions. Synergy maps don’t just have to be used for your business they can also be used to outline your personal life.

Action Item:

1. Get two pieces of paper.

2. Write down 5-10 business/ personal goals, projects on the first piece of paper

3. On a separate piece of paper put your business name in the middle or your name if you are mapping out your personal development.

4. Next, write in separate boxes the goals that you wrote in the first piece of paper and draw arrows with keywords as to how they feed into your business or personal life. Use Issa Rae's for inspiration.

If you enjoyed this article, read "Know yourself: Professional Branding edition ft. Drake".

Stay Creative,

Lauren

Photo Credits: Samuel Trotter at Variety