How can you build a professional relationship with someone you've never met?

For professional business relationships, Linkedin is by far the best platform, but just because your audience is there, doesn't mean they will want to build a relationship with you. Rather than sending random connection requests, start by engaging with your targets posts. Begin having real discussions with them around the topics they are interested in, then when a level of comfort has been achieved, actually connecting is an easy next step. The Chrome Extension 'Linkedin Icebreaker' makes this job incredibly easy.

Before a professional, everyone is a human. However, currently, the aptest platform for connecting and building professional relationships is LinkedIn, not because it is positioned that way but because it is perceived that way. People expect and are more open to communication on LinkedIn than on any other platform.

Crafting professional relationships online is like crafting a captivating story. Start with a concise, intriguing introduction. Showcase expertise through thoughtful messages, resonating with their interests. Infuse virtual encounters with genuine curiosity, inquire, appreciate, and celebrate achievements. Cultivate a digital atmosphere like a warm coffee conversation. Consistency is the engaging plot twist. To fellow readers, let's turn digital connections into a community! Connect, share insights, and script a collective narrative of professional growth. ??? #DigitalConnections #ProfessionalGrowth

LinkedIn is quickly becoming THE platform to nurture professional relationships. What begins as being a supporter of someone's content can quickly change into a deep appreciation for the bold opinions, insightful content, and thought leader energy that they bring to your network. In such an online world, it has never been more important to build strong relationships with your network. In my experience of building my community I have found that the more authentically I show up and share my story, the deeper the connection becomes. Don't just 'like' a post, compliment the writer, identify common ground, or respond with your own opinion to challenge their views and build their post engagement. In doing so you'll gain their trust and respect.

Firstly I suggest do your homework: Before reaching out, research their background, company, and areas of expertise. This shows genuine interest and helps find common ground.

This also means that you have to be open to other opinions. And it's about discussion and sometimes also recognizing that there are other ways and perspectives. Find out where the other person's strengths lie and actively ask for help. But then also accept the help. This also means taking a leap of faith.

A professional and a new connection often looks out for some value add from you. No one liked to be spammed or come across irrelevant stuff on their feed. Be relevant and engage with content that adds value or else there's nothing wrong in keeping quite

Always follow people you either admire, gain insightful value from, or that you want to potentially work with in some capacity. Always comment on their posts where you have something valuable to Contribute or that you found useful. The slow burn on LinkedIn relationships might take time but can often be a valuable connection down the road. Engaging someone and getting on their radar is tough, but like they say “the squeaky wheel gets the grease,” so engage and provide value back

To this, I'd add BE GENUINE! No one likes to think that someone is just engaging because of what they can do for you. Engage with people who you're interested in their work. Be curious and stay open.

Famous professionals dont like to get troubled, they dont want hello, hi and other things. Just jump straight to the point and ask for whatever you want

Regular follow-ups maintain engagement and showcase your commitment. Share industry insights, relevant articles, or even a quick hello. Consider leveraging multiple platforms for follow-ups. LinkedIn is great, but a well-timed email or a mention on another social platform can add diversity to your engagement. This multi-channel approach underscores your commitment and adaptability in connecting with them. Invite them to collaborate on content. Whether it's a joint webinar, co-authored article, or a shared social media campaign, collaborative efforts strengthen connections. It's an opportunity for mutual growth, and the shared project becomes a testament to the professional bond you're building.

?? Consistency & Follow-up: The Glue of Professional Bonds Building a relationship doesn't end with the first interaction; it thrives on consistency. Regular follow-ups are the glue that cements your connection over time. Keep the conversation alive by: ?? Check-Ins: Regularly touch base every few weeks to maintain an active presence. ?? Updates: Share relevant updates or industry news, showcasing your commitment to keeping them informed. ?? Event Invitations: Extend invitations to your events or webinars, showing inclusivity and interest in their engagement. ?? Seek Opinions: Ask for opinions/feedback, making them feel valued and integral to your network. The key is to strike a balance, showing genuine interest without being overwhelming.

It is important to be consistent and followup at first ...and certainly on Internet, via social media..(linked in would be the most interesting and loyal)... First it is necessary to be polite and solid into your posts....and of course some experience or knowledge into the branch would be necessary...or an interest in the material or purpose.. A good education is important too...adna s the final point.

If you dont get a reply, comment asking them to check or follow up again but don't give up. This is an important step as most people give up thinking about person to be arrogant, but he is not arrogant, he is busy

Consistency is required in building online relationships with these strategies: Set a Schedule: Create a plan to engage regularly. Allocate specific times/days to interact, ensuring it's sustainable for you. Use Reminders: Set reminders or alarms to prompt your interactions. It keeps you on track even on busy days. Utilize Notifications: Turn on notifications for their posts or updates. Engage promptly when they share something relevant. Content Sharing Strategy: Share content they'd find valuable. Be it articles, industry news, or your insights. Tag them when sharing relevant posts. Comment & Acknowledge: Regularly comment on their posts or respond to their comments. Acknowledge their insights or achievements. Direct Messages occasionally

Imagine a marketer pitching a new marketing strategy to a client. Instead of presenting a dry list of tactics, the marketer could weave a story about a previous client facing a similar challenge. The narrative might unfold by illustrating the client's initial struggles, the innovative strategy implemented, and the remarkable growth achieved as a result. This storytelling approach not only communicates the effectiveness of the proposed strategy but also captivates the client's attention by making the information relatable and memorable. The client is more likely to engage with and remember the proposed marketing approach through the power of storytelling.

Here is some pointers which i feel can make a little difference: 1. Introduce yourself and your outreach purpose. Highlight the intention to use multimedia and storytelling for engaging communication. 2. Examples and Integration: Offer specific examples (videos, images, podcasts, etc.) 3. Creativity and Personalization: Make a point of being creative and authentic to showcase personality, values, and achievements. 4. Avoiding Generic Communication: Stress the importance of steering away from generic methods for a more lasting impact. 5. Encouraging hostility: Inviting the recipient to share their own stories or preferred multimedia.

?? Building Professional Relationships: ?? Multimedia & Storytelling: Why stick to plain text when you can captivate your audience with a dynamic approach? Try incorporating: ?? Video Messages: Share thoughts, ideas, or greetings visually. It adds a personal touch. ??? Visuals & GIFs: Connect on a deeper level by incorporating images or GIFs that resonate with shared interests. It's an excellent way to express emotions and convey complex ideas. ?? Stories: Illustrate your values and achievements through storytelling. Narratives create a powerful impact. Creativity, authenticity, and a human touch make your communication unforgettable. By integrating multimedia elements, you bring your messages to life, making the exchange more meaningful.

Here's how to use multimedia and storytelling in elevating your online interactions: Visual Storytelling: Utilize images, infographics, or short videos. Share Personal Stories: Incorporate anecdotes or personal experiences related to the conversation. Create engaging Content: Craft compelling content - blog posts, podcasts, or videos. Use Varied Formats: Mix up content types - from quotes to behind-the-scenes glimpses. Polls, quizzes, or interactive posts engage them directly, making the conversation more dynamic. Story Highlights: On platforms like Instagram or Facebook, use story highlights to curate engaging content clusters. Collaborate & Guest Features: Invite them for collaborations - guest blog posts, joint webinars, etc.

Instead of sticking to plain text, get creative with images, videos, or even audio to show off your personality and make a lasting impression. ???? Share a funny gif, send a heartfelt video message, or tell a captivating story that highlights your achievements or values. Remember to have PURPOSE! ?? The goal is to be unique, genuine, and relatable, so you stand out from the crowd and leave a memorable impression! ??

?? Expanding your horizons and utilizing your existing connections to fuel growth and opportunity. ?? Referrals & Introductions: Expand Your Horizon Why limit yourself to the people you already know? Tap into your existing connections for: ?? Introductions: Request introductions to potential contacts who align with your professional goals. It's an effective way to break into new circles. ?? Referrals: Seek recommendations from your network for your services, products, or expertise. Leverage the power of word-of-mouth. ?? Leverage Networks: Expand your opportunities by actively engaging with your network. Leverage the connections you've built to unlock new doors. Respect, gratitude, and reciprocity are the building blocks of a strong web.

Once you've built a good connection, asking for referrals and introductions is all about being genuine and polite. ?? Start by expressing your gratitude for the relationship, and be clear that you're looking to connect with others who might benefit from what you offer. ?? Be specific about what you're looking for and offer to return the favor. ?? Keep it friendly and respectful, and you'll likely get a positive response! ??

Leveraging your existing contacts for referrals and introductions can be powerful using the following: Identify Mutual Connections: Look for common contacts between you and the person you want to connect with Craft a Personalized Message: Reach out to your mutual contact. Be genuine and concise about why you want the introduction Explain the Value: Share how the connection can be beneficial for both parties. Emphasize what you bring to the table. Respect Their Decision: Understand if they’re comfortable making an introduction. Don’t pressurize or make it awkward if they decline. Follow Up Professionally: If they agree, thank them promptly. Follow up with the introduction message, ensuring it’s polite, brief, and highlights shared interests.

Building trust and rapport is my favorite part of building professional relationships. This is the natural evolution of things that starts with engaging on posts here and there and then moving conversations from the comments to DMs, email, and even phone/Zoom. It's a more casual way to get to know someone better without making it so business-oriented. Find things to bond over, common interests, hobbies, etc. Share your passions, something you're proud of. The more relatable you become, the more natural the rapport. The more you have these casual conversations, the stronger the relationship and trust will become.

In business to business sales, I found it better to have whoever answers the phone to have their 'decision maker' call me back. Beforehand research helps a lot to know who by name to ask for and only say something that is of great interest to the decision maker and request the decision maker to return my call. You cannot build trust and rapport through anyone else but the decision maker. When the call comes in, going right to the matter of opening the conversation with the fact I am looking for the most qualified firm to take on the business. In conversation, it is important to have stories relevant to the work the firm is known for. That will lead to trading stories and getting to know each other that leads to the next meeting.

As with every relationship, it's all about trust. You don't expect to sell right after introducing yourself on a dinner and it also won't happen online. It's about listening to the other person, being genuinely helpful and building trust. Remember, nobody wants to hear a 10' monologue of all the things you're good at. Make sure you give space for others to talk about themselves.

?? Trust & Rapport: Beyond Business Building a professional relationship transcends the transactional. Strengthen your connections through: ?? Empathy & Humor: Demonstrate a human side by showing understanding and sharing a laugh. This personal touch fosters a deeper connection. ?? Gifts & Cards: Sometimes, it's the little things that matter. Sending thoughtful gifts or handwritten cards adds a personal touch, making your relationship more meaningful. ?? Shared Experiences: Beyond business, find common ground. Discuss hobbies, passions, or shared experiences to create a bond that goes beyond the professional realm. Friendly, supportive, and generous interactions build a lasting connection that withstands the test of time.

Here's a roadmap to building Trust and rapport via online professional relationships: Authentic Engagement: Start with genuine interactions. Comment thoughtfully on their posts, share valuable insights, and acknowledge their expertise. Consistent Presence: Regular engagement matters. Show up consistently without being intrusive. Listen Actively: Pay attention to their content and respond meaningfully. Offer Value: Share relevant resources, insights, or industry news. Personalized Communication: Tailor your messages. Acknowledge their achievements or recent activities. Professional Transparency: Be open about your intentions and goals. Transparency builds credibility. Be Respectful & Patient: Respect their time and pace.

I suggest: 1. Be patient: Building relationships takes time and effort. Don't expect instant results. 2. Be authentic: Be yourself and show your genuine personality and interests. 3. Focus on long-term value: Aim to build a mutually beneficial relationship, not just one-sided requests.

Here are a few additional strategies: Mutual Benefits: You can benefit each other through shared interests, can offer expertise, or collaborate on projects. Networking Etiquette: Avoid coming off as pushy or self-centered in your interactions. Personal Branding: Share your expertise and passions authentically to attract like-minded connections. Cultural Sensitivity: What might be acceptable in one culture might not be in another. Respect diversity. Feedback Loop: Ask for feedback on your interactions. It shows humility and a willingness to improve the relationship. Offline Engagement: If feasible, attend industry events or arrange video calls. Boundaries & Privacy: Avoid prying into personal matters unless they willingly share.

Consider the importance of patience and personalization. Tailor your communication to reflect interests and expertise: do your homework. Use video calls for a more personal connection when appropriate. Be mindful of time and boundaries, especially across time zones. Actively listen and show appreciation for people's insights. Networking platforms can facilitate introductions and endorsements from mutual connections, enhancing credibility. Consistency is key; nurture the relationship through regular, meaningful interactions without overwhelming them. Focus on building trust and establishing a rapport that can evolve into a robust professional relationship over time.

Make sure that if this relationship advances, that you move it to a more professional platform, for example: Slack or LinkedIn. It's always good to have slack as a communication platform and LinkedIn as a connecting platform for these kinds of relationships.