Money Team Tactics: 3 Tips for Leveraging Your Network & Connections

Who you know definitely matters, but who knows you matters just as much. Ricki Brazil (@RickiBrazil), founder and CEO of Regal Management Group (RMG), and James McNair (@TheHarlemHotboy), CEO of Philthy Rich Records, have been two of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s closest business partners helping to grow The Money Team brand and Mayweather Promotions. Understanding the value of a well-established and personal relationship with one of sports and entertainment’s biggest stars has allowed the two men to build opportunities for personal success. Beyond the glitz and glamour, The Money Team puts in countless hours of work to grow personally and professionally that ultimately results in massive success that many people want to become a part of.

I got the chance to catch up with Brazil and McNair to discuss how they have been able to leverage their success with The Money Team and relationship with Floyd Mayweather to grow individually in their careers. They also provide tips to leverage great relationships for career success:

A Two-Way Street: It’s not all about what you can get from someone.

Ricki Brazil: If we treat our contacts like the annoying fly at a barbecue, we send a message to them that we do not highly value them. If you want your contacts to truly be allies, you have to treat them as such. Nurture your relationship and help them in any way you can. Take the time to really get to know what they need. Don’t just tell them what you want. Your message should be that you are there to support and help them.

Leveraging Relationships: Offering value is as important as making the connection.

James McNair: Having someone in your circle that knows you well, has seen you do good work and who trusts you makes it infinitely easier and fairer to ask them for help. The tight and personal bond that we have developed makes our connection even more valuable. People trust the work that we have been able to do and have seeb our ability to manage Mayweather Promotions. This builds trust and provides credibility as we build our management company Regal Management Group.

Clear Goals: Expressing explicitly what you seek to achieve is vital.

Brazil: When I began the Ricki by Ricki Brazil line, I was clear with everyone involved including my business manager. Vague ideas lead to vague results. Make sure you are clear and concise with your contacts and give them a direct description of what you’re looking for.

McNair: Think about what exactly you are asking for [when tapping into your network.] What do you need? A job? An introduction? Advice? You can ask your contacts whatever you want but don’t waste their time.

Humility: Don’t overlook people because they aren’t the so-called top person or star.

Brazil: Don’t discount anyone just because they might not have the biggest name, tons of fans or a huge following. You never know how the guy moving and shaking on the ground level may be able to help you out.

McNair: If you exclude people based off of your initial perception of them you are potentially closing the door to opportunities. If you get to know someone better, you could be surprised with what they know, who they know, and the suggestions they have to help you out.

Daron Pressley (@daronpressley) is an entrepreneur and former Fortune 500 sales and marketing executive who has been featured on outlets including Fox45 News, Black Enterprise magazine, and The Washington Post. Knowledgeable in marketing and branding, Pressley works with professional athletes, organizations, and individuals to develop strategies to create, build, and grow brands. As a speaker Daron has reached over 20,000 students, and provides dynamic insights on leadership and branding via his Website, DaronPressley.com.