Why your network is your net worth

At some point in our career journey, our perspective undergoes a shift. As our goals are met and our accomplishments accumulate, we begin to supplement our focus on what lies ahead with a reflection on the path we’ve taken. This bifurcated view allows us to process lessons, chart growth and yes, develop wisdom.

For entrepreneur, investor, advisor and College of Business board member Darrel Branch (’91), that view has allowed him to reflect on his own career path. “I wouldn't necessarily change the journey; I would change how early I began turning my experience, relationships and ideas into assets I owned,” he said, adding “success is rewarding, but ownership creates the opportunity to build lasting wealth and a legacy.”

With more than 30 years of experience building brands at Procter & Gamble, Coca Cola and Revlon, Branch has certainly earned a little rear-view time. He helped build Nestea and launched products across Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

On October 15, he returned to JMU to share his knowledge and experience with students, faculty, staff and guests in a Fireside Chat hosted by the Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship.

In a talk where topics ranged from intrapreneurship and mentorship to networking and AI, Branch emphasized the idea that “your network is your net worth,” a view that informs his thoughts on success—and how to achieve it.

“The most important lesson I’ve learned throughout my career is that success is built on relationships, trust, and the ability to consistently create value for others,” he said. “Success may get you noticed, but character, relationships and the value you create are what sustain you. And ultimately, your legacy is measured not only by what you build but by whom you help succeed along the way.”

He went on to say that “James Madison is the foundation of my success,” and “my business marketing degree at this university is what prepared me to be successful in my career.”

Asked what it takes to excel in marketing today, Branch said, “I believe succeeding in marketing today requires a combination of strategic thinking, creativity, analytical skills, technological fluency and most importantly, a deep understanding of people, i.e. the target consumer.”

Do new tools, like AI, change that equation? Branch said AI is a tool he uses “every day for all kinds of things, and I think everybody needs to understand it's not going anywhere,” and that “it changes the way that we're able to think and raises the bar in terms of what the average person can do.”

Drawing from his wealth of experience, Branch also took the opportunity to address his views on entrepreneurial success. “Don't just fall in love with the idea of being an entrepreneur. Fall in love with solving a problem, creating value and building something that matters,” he noted. “The vision may get you started, but discipline, relationships and execution will determine how far you go.”