How can you find an AI sponsor?

Today, thanks to Generative AI, creating content and becoming apparently an AI expert is easy. However, it's more difficult to write and publish a valuable book on AI. The technique I'm using to find real experts in the AI domain (not only Generative AI, of course) is to find books on the AI topics I'm interested in, read the book, and if I appreciate the book, I try to 'connect' with the author/authors via LinkedIn.

This is how I found several AI mentors and fellow travelers, and anyone can do it. Start by finding past colleagues who are currently working in AI - people who know what you can do and who believe in your potential. Reach out to them with curiosity about what they are doing today, and how they pivoted from what you were doing together in the past to their current AI role. It may take 5 or more conversations to find the person you connect with, and whose bridge might look like something you want to emulate.

My personal recommendation to finding a sponsor is to find someone that not only had a strategic understanding of the subject, but a detailed one and is both passionate and excited about the prospect of including AI. Once you have identified those that may fit this criteria, it is an opportunity to find if there is similar alignment in your goals and views which comes from open and transparent conversation with the person(s) that you have identified. This should be an alignment from both theirs (as well as yours) perspective.

I've found that people love to help. They might not always find the time or ways around to doing that for everyone though. So, make it easy for any sponsor to help you - you should be specific about what help you need. And why you're asking them specifically for it (do your research) - there should be more than 1 way to reach out to you. And you should be ok with long turnaround times. Later on in the relationship this could turn into a more organized series of mentoring sessions - the best gift any sponsor/mentor wants is knowing that their time is being used wisely and that it's working for you. So don't be afraid to share updates - wins, mistakes, reconfirmations make it enjoyable for everyone

My recommendation is to always focus on personal value generation, not on finding the sponsor. This will make people see you as an AI professional that adds something new to the field, being that original views on the technology itself, the impact on business, etc. Your network, and not an specific person, will become your best sponsor when you interact with them in a humble but also on a truly personal way based on your own insights.

I will suggest a four-step approach, - Define: You should have a clear perspective in your mind and should be solid in your research about what you want from him. - Engage: Start engaging with comments, likes, and reshares on relevant topics and grab their attention. - Connect: After defining and engaging, be clear and concise with your message to connect; there should be something for them as well. - Make it win-win: Value their time, get a gift, gratitude, positive feedback, recommendation, or something to give back after connecting.

you can reach out to potential prospects by writing a personalized first line and then state clearly your interest and then you show them, you are curious about that

Depending on the means through which we have found the expert with whom we are interested in making contact, we can, for example, leave a positive review of their book where we purchased it, in case they are an author. Comment on their posts on LinkedIn or wherever they usually post, etc. If we decide to contact him or her via email, we can refer to the contacts or reviews left.

One thing I've found helpful was that you can help your potential sponsors by providing a relevant case study focused on value delivery and connecting that to their business unit. In addition, find common ground by looking for shared interests and goals. It's about building long term trust with transparency and genuineness in your interactions.

Ready for some shocking advice coming from someone who uses ChatGPT hours a day? Reach out with a personalized, human message. Running a Top 10 tech podcast, I get SOOOO many cold outreach attempts from people who are too lazy to even proofread what they send. Don't worry about building rapport until you first humanize your outreach.

Here's the checklist for freelancing success: - Show your work - Tell of the impact through measurable - Social proof or testimonial Repeat.

Showing your competence in AI can be challenging due to its technical language known only to experts. However, simplifying your communication with examples and case studies makes it more accessible, allowing others to easily connect with you and perceive you as competent and reliable. Are you applying this approach as well?

To build an effective portfolio, it is important to focus on providing a good user experience. Consider the needs of different target audiences and ensure that your project/case studies include all the necessary components, such as the business problem, stakeholders, challenges, ROI impact, technical stack, your role, and outcomes. Additionally, having certifications, making contributions, and showcasing quality projects can help establish credibility.

In my experience, diverse skillsets make the team highly performing and deliver consistent results. We are wired and trained differently and that's ok. Most of the leaders understand and implement that. Some of my best team members come from non-technical backgrounds and changed course mid-career. One can demonstrate their skills by their past experiences, commitment to the mission, and their risk-taking behavior.

Share your cool projects, publications, or any AI accomplishments you're proud of—it's like swapping stories to find common ground. Imagine suggesting, "Hey, let's take on this AI challenge together!" Just like recommending books or movies, take courses or certifications that they think are awesome. And here's the real human touch: offer your help on an AI project they're passionate about. It's like saying, "I'm not just here for me; I'm here to support your AI dreams too."

There should be a win-win in your ask, a gratitude, a positive recommendation, or a small gift could be one. You should know that there will be hundreds others requesting the same, so be understanding if you get a decline and nail your opportunity if you get a chance to connect it by being prepared for it.

Asking for sponsorship is the hardest part I think. Here are three aspects that can help. Rejection: Firstly, be prepared for rejection. Don't get discouraged if you receive a rejection. Use it as an opportunity to learn and refine your approach. Secondly, clear articulation of how the sponsorship benefits both you and the sponsor is essential. Highlight the value you bring to the table and how their support will advance your goals and theirs. Following up: Third, if you don't hear back immediately, follow up politely after a reasonable time.

After nurturing the relationship and demonstrating your commitment, it's time to make the ask. Politely request mentorship or sponsorship. Highlight how their guidance can help you grow as an AI professional and contribute to the field.

Paint a picture of your impactful AI project and its audience, then tailor your sponsorship offer to showcase win-win benefits for the sponsor (brand building, market access, etc.). Present your case with a captivating pitch deck, practice, follow up, and leverage online communities. Show potential and professionalism, and your AI project will attract the perfect sponsor to fuel its journey!

To request AI sponsorship, approach with a clear, specific ask that aligns with your needs and their abilities. This could be an introduction, recommendation, referral, sponsorship letter, or an opportunity to collaborate or learn from them. Explain the mutual benefits and how you plan to reciprocate their support. Be respectful, confident, and appreciative of their time and effort. Patience, persistence, and professionalism are key in this journey towards achieving your AI goals with the help of a sponsor.

Finding an AI sponsor at work who can help you advance in your career involves strategic networking. Here are 3 creative ways to find your sponsor: 1. Connect Over Shared Interests: Pursuing common passions at work can capture the attention of executives you wouldn't meet otherwise. 2. Leverage Existing Relationships: If you have a good working relationship with a senior colleague, they may start acting as a sponsor and advocating for you. This can happen organically as they see your work. 3. Turn Your Manager/Mentor into Your Sponsor: If you have a strong relationship with your manager or a mentor, consider turning them into your sponsor. They already understand your work and potential, making them well-positioned to advocate for you.

In my experience finding an AI sponsor can involve networking within AI communities, showcasing your work through conferences, publishing papers, engaging on platforms like GitHub, LinkedIn, and connecting with industry professionals to demonstrate your expertise and potential contributions to AI development.

I believe the best motivation for finding a sponsor is to ensure an audience interested in their solutions; C-level executives with budget and decision-makers who can immediately open business tables. It's important to show the KPIs of previous editions and guarantee 1to1 meetings that can capitalize on the investment." translates to "I believe the best motivation for finding a sponsor is to ensure an audience interested in their solutions; C-level executives with a budget and decision-makers who can immediately start business discussions. It is important to show the KPIs of previous editions and ensure 1-to-1 meetings that can capitalize on the investment

Networking at industry events, participating in online forums, and building social media platforms can also enhance your visibility and increase the chances of connecting with potential sponsors. Building and nurturing relationships within the AI community is key to finding a sponsor who can provide guidance, mentorship, and support.

Here are my primary strategies, but remember to account for varying levels of engagement and response rates: 1. Engage with professionals on LinkedIn by connecting and initiating meaningful conversations. 2. Utilize ADPList to connect with a wide range of mentors, many of whom offer their expertise for free. 3. Explore MentorCruise for access to dedicated mentors and take advantage of their free trial to assess compatibility and value.