What are the most important steps to take when networking with industry leaders?

Do your homework before reaching out to the person in question: take a look at what unique experiences they have had, and mention these in your personalised invite. After establishing some connections, don't just send out invites at random; have a targeted approach to who you want to connect with to maximise chances of success.

Before reaching out to industry leaders, take some time to learn about them. Look at their background, achievements, and interests. This helps you start a conversation on common ground. For instance, if you're interested in technology and you find out that a leader you want to connect with has a background in software development, you can mention that shared interest. Example: Let's say you're reaching out to a successful entrepreneur, and you find out they started their first business in their garage. You can mention how inspired you are by their journey and share a bit about your own entrepreneurial aspirations.

Acting as a leader between leaders requires the ability to build trust and credibility, facilitate communication and collaboration, foster a shared vision, mediate conflicts and find solutions, lead by example, and continuously learn and grow. By establishing trust, creating an environment for open dialogue, understanding individual goals, resolving conflicts fairly, demonstrating integrity, and staying updated on industry trends, a leader between leaders can effectively navigate complex situations and drive positive outcomes.

To create possibilities and real connections, I believe that while networking with industry leaders, you should do your homework, be genuine, listen intently, provide value, follow up quickly, establish trust, and stay informed.

If you know people, you OWE People! Researching about background, interests, professional endeavors is really crucial to network correctly! The goal is to build deep connections built on trust and not anothe rat race (chasing people without any clue)

When you approach a big fish, don’t start with what you need. Start with what you can give. Maybe it’s an insightful comment on their latest article, or a fresh perspective on a challenge they’ve shared. Your first interaction should be a showcase of your expertise and willingness to contribute. It's about making an impression that says, “I’m here not just to take, but to give.” This approach sets you apart. It builds a foundation of trust and respect.

Industry leaders often have a ton of people reaching out to them to ask for one thing or the other. So, if you're that person who reaches out to give value and expresses genuine care about them, you'll definitely stand out from the crowd.

Building relationships with industry leaders requires offering something of value before asking for favors or advice. By providing compliments, recommendations, resources, referrals, or solutions to their problems, you demonstrate your expertise, credibility, and generosity. This approach helps you stand out from the crowd and build trust and rapport with leaders. Remember to prioritize giving over taking, and strive to provide even more value than you receive. This mindset establishes you as a leader among leaders and fosters mutually beneficial relationships.

"Give, and you shall receive" applies here. By providing value, you can expect the same positive energy you give to the person in question to be reciprocated back at you... Some things to consider are commenting on a recent post or offering a service for free.

Let's face it, Knowing a person out of the blue, is almost next to impossible. In my Personal Branding experience, while helping with the Personal branding and outreach for the Founder, these steps have given results like; traction of 83% on posts and an acceptance rate of 91.2% from HNI's 1. Identify ICP and Associated ICP 2. Use LSN 3. LinkedIn connection ∝ active Persona on LinkedIn 4. Connect the Bridge - Groups, Person, Industry, Forum, Event or Topic What is the common connection 5. Research means - Any accomplished new joining, Fundraise, PR, News or maybe some more CSR act 6. Caution - Don't brag, give Genuine appreciation, and Don't use jargon. 7. Sharp - Small but value-based content messaging should be the approach.

Networking is a continuous and long-term process that requires follow-up and consistent effort. After making initial contact with an industry leader, it's important to express gratitude, restate key points, and suggest a next step within 24 hours. To maintain the relationship, share relevant updates, ask thoughtful questions, and provide ongoing value. It's crucial to follow through on commitments and be reliable. By staying genuine and authentic, you can build trust, enhance your brand name, and establish a strong network.

After initial interactions, promptly follow up with a personalized thank-you message. Follow through on any commitments you make, demonstrating reliability and professionalism.

Here's a quick message template you can use [please modify it as per your needs] Dear [Industry Leader's Name], I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the engaging conversation we had at [Event Name]. I was particularly inspired by [XX] and have already started contemplating how I can implement this insight. OR Our discussion about [XX] truly resonated with me, and I found your view on [XX] to be incredibly valuable and thought-provoking. If your schedule allows, I would appreciate the opportunity for a follow-up conversation or even a brief coffee meeting to further discuss [XX]. Once again, thank you for your time. I look forward to staying connected.

Follow up & let it marinate. While following up make sure you dont SPAM or look DESPERATE! Be authentic, follow on regular intervals & if you want them to answer - DONT BE BORING! Come up with compelling hooks that make them to open that message and text you back

How often do you follow-through? And how consistent are you? You must use a CRM system that reminds you when to contact the leader again. This is drip irrigation, and must be done. Curate and send articles, give them books or recommendations. STAY TOP OF MIND of that specific leader.

Approach interactions with respect for the time and commitments of industry leaders. Be authentic in your communication, expressing genuine interest and enthusiasm.

Absolutely, being respectful and maintaining boundaries is crucial when networking with industry leaders. It's important to respect their time, privacy, and boundaries. Avoid spamming them with excessive messages, requests, or pitches. Being pushy, needy, or entitled can damage the relationship. It's essential to be authentic and honest, avoiding pretending to be someone you're not or using false claims or flattery to impress them. Instead, show genuine interest, curiosity, and appreciation for their work and insights. By drawing the lines and treating them with respect, you can build meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships.

Being you is really very important! People trust people and not bots! Be honest, care for them, listen to them & build mutual pillars of trust and honesty.

Networking with industry leaders and seeking their feedback and guidance provides evidence of your commitment to continuous learning and improvement as a leader. It demonstrates your willingness to learn from others' experiences and tap into their expertise. By actively seeking feedback and applying it to your actions, you show a dedication to personal and professional development. Building relationships and connections with industry leaders also showcases your ability to connect with influential individuals and create a supportive network. Moreover, gaining different perspectives from industry leaders helps you broaden your understanding and think innovatively when faced with challenges.

"Asking for Advice", genuine advice to a specific problem: this always helps. If the problem is in line with their experience, most leaders are willing to help. It could be a review, a comment, or an analysis of your work. Be clear on the time expectations and be thankful always. When you help a person, the connection grows stronger. Vice versa is also true!

Staying in touch with Industry leaders is much easier than before, as we have the chance to connect socially the minute we meet someone. We never had this kind of accessibility before social media. I always connect on LinkedIn and nurture a relationship by staying engaged with their content. Like/sharing and/or commenting goes a long way, it makes someone feel valued and seen. It also reinforces that you don't have an agenda and are genuinely interested in their insights.

The best networking tip is to be specific! Don't beat around the bush or try to impress them with sweet words. Be specific about what you bring to the table and why you're reaching out to them. Never send just "Hi" or "Hey" No context messages are not worth anyone's time. Be specific and respect their time.

"Give more to get more". What can you do for that contact? How can you be of assistance? Whom can you connect them to? The best Networking credo is to assist, deepen the connection. Give so much that the getting becomes easier.

If we only connect with people in our fields, we can limit the reach of our work. Life is interdisciplinary and all fields interact. It is essential to recognise and work with the strengths of diversity and inclusion, such as music, acoustics, mathematics, STEM, arts, and science.

Consider the context of your interactions. Whether it's a formal event or a casual meetup, adapt your approach accordingly. Also, be mindful of their time and workload. Don't overwhelm them with constant requests. Example: If you know a leader is particularly busy during certain times of the year, avoid scheduling meetings during those periods. Respect their schedule and be flexible in finding mutually convenient times to connect. Remember, building relationships with industry leaders is about genuine connection and mutual benefit. Approach it with sincerity, and you'll find that these connections can be incredibly rewarding for both parties.

You're never too young to reach out to the "big fish" in your sector: sometimes your youth can work in your favour! It's also a good idea to branch out to different sectors to increase your outreach and learnt more about latest advancements around the world. These may have an impact on your industry you don't initially expect!