When you think of networking, what comes to mind?
For many IP experts, it’s the conference small talk, the exchange of business cards, or the polite follow-up message on LinkedIn.

But in reality, networking, done strategically, is a form of positioning.
It’s how others perceive your expertise, your reliability, and the value you bring to collaboration. And it’s one of the most underestimated pillars of personal branding in the IP field.

From visibility to trust

In an environment where everyone claims expertise, your network is your proof of relevance. It’s what transforms visibility into trust, because being known is not the same as being valued.

The goal is not to collect connections, but to build alliances, people and partners who understand what you stand for, and who are willing to open doors for you because they trust your contribution.

This shift, as is so often the case in personal branding, requires clarity:

  • What is your positioning?
  • What are your focus topics?
  • Which audiences or industries do you want to be associated with?

Your answers to these questions determine where, and with whom, you should invest your time and visibility.

The rise of communities

Since 2024, professional (online) communities have become one of the most effective ways to grow both visibility and business.
They go far beyond traditional networking: they’re built around shared goals, content exchange, and mutual learning.

For IP experts, this means joining (or even creating) communities where peers, clients, and innovators meet, such as LinkedIn groups, IP think tanks, or niche industry forums.
These spaces allow you to demonstrate expertise in context and connect through shared purpose rather than self-promotion.

At their core, these communities mark a shift from one-way communication to multi-directional dialogue built on authenticity and trust. They’re not a marketing channel, but a strategic asset, a foundation for authority and long-term relevance.

An expert brand becomes stronger when it’s supported by an engaged network of advocates who feel seen and valued. Those who foster such spaces move beyond broadcasting their knowledge, and cultivate a culture of exchange and mutual support.

Turning one-off meetings into long-term collaborations

To transform a first contact into a long-term alliance, three things matter:

  1. Relevance – Your expertise must be clear and connected to what matters to them.
  2. Reciprocity – Think in terms of mutual benefit. Whom can you support first?
  3. Consistency – Relationships grow through continuity. Show up, with insight, reliability, and generosity.

Strategic alliances often begin informally: a conversation at a conference, a comment on a peer’s post, a shared stage, or a co-authored article.
What turns them into real partnerships is intentional follow-up, turning spontaneous encounters into structured cooperation.

From network to ecosystem

If we look at the most successful IP professionals today, they all have something in common: they don’t just have a network. They nurture an ecosystem.

They are part of a circle of experts, law firms, and in-house teams who reinforce each other’s expertise and visibility. They collaborate on webinars, share stage time, co-create content, and amplify each other’s thought leadership.

That’s how strategic networking becomes a growth engine, not only for visibility but for reputation, referrals, and opportunities.

Final thought

Building a strong network isn’t about being everywhere or knowing everyone. It’s about being strategically present in the right places, and with the right people. When done consciously, networking stops being a side activity and becomes what it truly is: an extension of your brand.

Until then, a question to reflect on:

Which existing connection could turn into a meaningful alliance if you approached it with more intention?

About the columnist

Giulia Donato
Branding & Communication Advisor | Executive Coach | Lecturer
people & brand strategies
www.donatostrategies.com