Here's how you can connect with industry leaders and influencers in business services.

2 Networking Events

Attending networking events, both virtual and in-person, is crucial for meeting industry leaders. Choose events that are likely to attract the influencers you wish to connect with, such as conferences, seminars, and industry meetups. When at these events, be genuine and curious. Ask thoughtful questions and offer insightful comments during sessions. These interactions can leave a lasting impression and may open the door to further communication.

3 Direct Outreach

Once you've identified the industry leaders you want to connect with, consider reaching out directly. This could be through a personalized LinkedIn message, an email, or even a handwritten note. Your message should be concise, respectful of their time, and clearly state why you're reaching out. Highlight mutual interests or how you believe you can add value to their network. Personalization is key; show that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in what they do.

4 Offer Value

To engage with industry leaders effectively, focus on offering value before asking for anything in return. Share relevant articles, introduce them to contacts in your network who may be of interest, or volunteer your expertise in a way that benefits them. By demonstrating that you're resourceful and generous, you position yourself as someone worth knowing and help build a relationship based on mutual respect and benefit.

5 Follow Up

After making initial contact with an industry leader, it's important to follow up. If you promised to send information or make an introduction, do so promptly. Add value to your follow-ups by sharing articles or information that relates to your previous conversation. This shows that you're attentive and invested in the relationship. Keep these follow-ups occasional and purposeful to avoid coming across as pushy or overwhelming.

6 Stay Engaged

Maintaining a connection with industry leaders requires ongoing engagement. Comment on their articles or posts, congratulate them on their achievements, and keep them updated on your progress. This doesn't mean you should communicate daily, but rather maintain a consistent presence in their professional circle. Over time, these sustained interactions can evolve into a strong professional relationship.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?