Unlocking Career Success Through Genuine Connection with Martha Sager
When we think about hyper-personalization, we often associate it with AI, machine learning, and other complex tech solutions that enable us to understand an end user. However, our third webinar guest, Martha Sager, takes it to a more human level.
As a seasoned CX and AI expert and Vice President of Business Development (N.A. & Europe) at Uniphore, Martha sat down with our founder, Sandy Ko, to emphasize the significance of human connections and the untapped career potential found in between.
“I define hyper-personalization as using your personal skills to get to know someone better. You have to learn what they care about and need at an individual level to act appropriately,” she said. “It’s not enough to think you know about a person based on their workplace or role. There can be so many other things that are of importance to them—and you can be more successful when you take that extra step to get to know them.”
Here, we’ll review a few of her best practices for engaging in positive and impactful interactions.
1. "Start with the people that you know."
Tapping into your existing circle is a less daunting way to meet new professionals. Martha encouraged our audience to go beyond their comfort zone, explaining, “Refer to your friends and family: who are the most dynamic people they know? Get connected, then offer a coffee chat. Ask about their day-to-day activities or what they like about their job. Ask what you need to know to make a difference.”
More often than not, if you make an effort to befriend a person, not to take advantage of their title, but to understand them honestly, they’ll be willing to share their unique experiences and guide your conversation in the right direction. Then, as you grow more comfortable with your networking skills, you can reach out to people you normally wouldn’t engage with.
“Be vulnerable and brave; diversify your network,” stated Martha. “Anyone who differs from you likely has an alternative perspective, and understanding different perspectives through dialogue is hands-down the best way to make more informed decisions.”
2. "Find common denominators to make memorable connections."
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where it’s difficult to converse with someone? We’ve all been there, whether it’s an angry client or an overly reserved coworker. But when connection is necessary, knowing how to approach people without being forceful or artificial is important.
“Find one commonality—that’s where you bond as humans, despite all the other turmoil, and it’ll save you,” stated Martha. “Sometimes, the blusterer wants to bluster, but sometimes, they really just want a friend. You want to create alliances.”
Martha extends this strategy to getting to know new customers and employees.Through a brief introductory meeting, a morning greeting, or even a virtual message, you can make your presence known and welcome them to the company to foster a more secure sense of belonging.
“You’re coming to them as a new ally, so you shape the conversation in that manner. Get to know where they’re from or who their loved ones are. I keep track of people’s names, their spouses, kids, pets, whatever it is, because it’s really in the details.” laughed Martha. “It’s significantly different when you can say, ‘How’s your daughter doing with her first job search?’ than just knowing they have a child and asking a lighter question.”
3. "Establish clear communication for upward career mobility."
“Organic conversations allow you to dig down and explore the root of conflict or delight for people,” said Martha. “That’s where we get all our great information.”
Whether across departments or with individual colleagues, honesty is essential for stronger relationships, improved trust, and positive rapport. A previous webinar speaker, Cheryl China, spoke on always representing your brand. Solidifying your communication skills and constantly encouraging open dialogue is an effective way.
Martha explained, “Once you’ve built your network of allies, your value heightens. You’re now known as a team builder and a leader. Your name gets mentioned in conversations because you’ve been collaborating with so many folks. This naturally leads to upward career mobility.”
At the end of the day, everyone gravitates toward authenticity. It’s important not to be transparent for the sake of being transparent but to meet people as you are and help build them up—so, later on, they may return the favor. This is a small glimpse of a community rooted in empowerment where your success is everyone’s success. In the long run, it can make a difference in your career.
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Martha concluded her webinar with, “Data is gold, and we’re all mining it, whether we know it or not. Conversations breed insights, feelings, conflicts, and delights.”
As a platform created by women, for women and allies, CCWomen strives to move the needle and transform the working landscape, interaction after interaction. Your contributions and collective voices become the data we need to create a more diverse and inclusive future for all.
CCWomen champions leaders and visionaries who want to collaborate with us and empower those who seek to elevate their careers through us. We may be finished with this year’s webinar series, but we have many more scheduled for our members in 2024. You don’t want to miss out—
Watch Martha's webinar for more:
