How can you build relationships with influencers and decision-makers without making common mistakes?

1 Identify your goals and targets

Before you reach out to anyone, you need to have a clear idea of why you want to build a relationship with them and what value you can offer. Do you want to learn from their expertise, collaborate on a project, or get a referral? Do you have something to share that can benefit them, such as feedback, insights, or resources? Research your potential targets and find out what they are interested in, what they are working on, and what challenges they face. This will help you craft a personalized and relevant message that shows you care and respect their time.

2 Start with a warm introduction

One of the best ways to get the attention of influencers and decision-makers is to get introduced by someone they already know and trust. This can reduce the barriers of cold outreach and increase the chances of a positive response. If you have a mutual connection, ask them to vouch for you and explain why you want to connect. If you don't have a direct link, you can still leverage your existing network and look for opportunities to join events, groups, or platforms where your target is active. For example, you can attend a webinar they host, join a community they moderate, or comment on a post they share.

3 Provide value and support

Once you have established a connection, you need to nurture the relationship and build trust and rapport. Don't make the mistake of asking for favors, endorsements, or promotions right away. Instead, focus on providing value and support to your target and show genuine interest in their work and goals. You can do this by sharing useful information, giving honest feedback, offering help, or expressing appreciation. For example, you can send them a link to a relevant article, congratulate them on a recent achievement, or introduce them to someone who can help them.

4 Follow up and stay in touch

Another common mistake that can ruin your relationships with influencers and decision-makers is to disappear after the first contact or interaction. You need to follow up and stay in touch with them to maintain the connection and show that you are not just after a one-time benefit. You can do this by sending a thank-you note, asking for their opinion, updating them on your progress, or inviting them to another event or opportunity. However, be careful not to overdo it and annoy them with too many messages or requests. Aim for a balance between being persistent and respectful.

5 Engage with their content and network

A great way to strengthen your relationships with influencers and decision-makers is to engage with their content and network. This can help you demonstrate your value, expertise, and credibility, as well as increase your visibility and reach. You can do this by liking, commenting, sharing, or creating content that relates to their topics, interests, or projects. You can also interact with their followers, peers, or partners and join the conversations they are part of. For example, you can ask a thoughtful question, add a valuable insight, or share a relevant experience.

6 Be authentic and respectful

The most important thing to remember when building relationships with influencers and decision-makers is to be authentic and respectful. Don't try to pretend to be someone you are not, or to impress them with false claims or flattery. Don't spam them with generic or irrelevant messages, or pressure them to do something they don't want to. Don't take advantage of their generosity, or expect them to owe you anything. Instead, be yourself, be honest, and be polite. Show them that you value them as professionals and as human beings, and that you are interested in a long-term and mutually beneficial 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?