Here's how you can foster and sustain relationships with industry experts as a research manager.

1 Identify Experts

To start building relationships, you must first identify the industry experts who are most relevant to your field. Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet leaders in your area of research. Use professional networking sites to connect with these individuals and introduce yourself and your work. Remember to be specific about your research interests and how they align with their expertise. Personalize your communication; generic messages can be off-putting. Show genuine interest in their work and express how a connection could be mutually beneficial.

2 Engage Regularly

Once you've made initial contact with industry experts, it's crucial to engage with them regularly. Comment on their publications or posts, and share relevant articles or findings that might interest them. This consistent interaction shows that you value their expertise and are keen on maintaining a professional relationship. However, ensure your engagement is meaningful and not just for the sake of staying in touch. Quality interactions are more valuable than frequent, less significant ones.

4 Seek Collaboration

Seeking opportunities for collaboration is an excellent way to deepen relationships with industry experts. Propose joint research initiatives, co-authoring papers, or organizing industry-focused events together. Collaborative projects not only strengthen professional bonds but also lead to shared successes that can enhance both parties' reputations in the field. Be proactive in suggesting ideas that leverage both your strengths.

5 Respect Boundaries

While building relationships is key, it's equally important to respect the boundaries of industry experts. Understand that they have their own commitments and may not always be available. Be considerate of their time when requesting meetings or input on your work. A respectful approach will be appreciated and can lead to more productive interactions in the long run.

6 Maintain Contact

Finally, ensure that you maintain contact with industry experts even when you don't have an immediate need for their expertise. Send occasional updates about your work or congratulate them on their achievements. This ongoing contact helps keep the relationship alive and ensures you remain in their thoughts for future opportunities or collaborations. Maintaining a connection doesn't require constant communication, but rather thoughtful and relevant touchpoints over time.

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?