What are the best ways to build a professional relationship with someone you have never met in person?

1 Research their profile

Before you reach out to someone, do some research on their profile. Look at their LinkedIn, website, blog, social media, or any other online presence they have. This will help you learn more about their interests, expertise, goals, and challenges. You can use this information to tailor your message, find common ground, and show genuine curiosity. For example, you can mention a recent project they completed, a skill they have that you admire, or a question they asked that intrigued you.

2 Use multiple channels

Don't limit yourself to one communication channel when building a professional relationship. Depending on the context and purpose of your connection, you might want to use email, phone, video call, chat, or social media. Each channel has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to balance them according to your needs and preferences. For example, email can be formal and concise, but also impersonal and delayed. Phone can be direct and friendly, but also intrusive and awkward. Video call can be engaging and expressive, but also dependent on technology and environment. Chat can be casual and convenient, but also distracting and superficial. Social media can be informative and interactive, but also noisy and unprofessional.

4 Share your value

One of the main goals of building a professional relationship is to share your value with the other person. You want to show them how you can help them achieve their objectives, solve their problems, or improve their situation. You also want to demonstrate your credibility, competence, and character. To do this, you need to showcase your skills, achievements, and personality. For example, you can share your portfolio, testimonials, or case studies, offer your insights, advice, or resources, or reveal your passions, hobbies, or values.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

Another goal of building a professional relationship is to seek feedback and improvement from the other person. You want to learn from their experience, perspective, and knowledge. You also want to improve your communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. To do this, you need to ask for feedback, listen actively, and act on it. You also need to acknowledge your mistakes, apologize sincerely, and correct them. For example, you can ask for their opinion, suggestions, or recommendations, listen to their concerns, questions, or compliments, or admit your errors, express your regret, or propose a solution.

6 Maintain the relationship

The last tip to build a professional relationship with someone you have never met in person is to maintain the relationship. You don't want to lose touch, forget, or neglect the other person. You want to keep the connection alive, relevant, and meaningful. To do this, you need to follow up regularly, update them on your progress, and celebrate your achievements. You also need to show interest, appreciation, and support. For example, you can send them a thank-you note, a congratulatory message, or a birthday wish, share relevant news, articles, or events, or offer your help, referrals, or endorsements.

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?