Building relationships with technical experts in your field can help you advance your career, learn new skills, and solve challenging problems. But how can you connect with them and gain their trust and respect? Here are some tips to help you network and collaborate with technical experts.
Before you reach out to technical experts, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the interaction. Do you want to get feedback on a project, learn a new technique, or explore a career opportunity? Having a specific goal will help you craft a relevant and respectful message that shows your interest and value.
In my experience, complex projects often require intricate integrations and new technologies. Engaging with the right tech experts is vital. Prioritize your goals, conduct research, and personalize your communication. Deep subject understanding, anticipating their questions, and setting realistic expectations are crucial for productive interactions. Don't hesitate to revisit and adjust your objectives as needed.
The next step is to do some homework on the technical experts you want to contact. Find out what they are working on, what they have published, and what they are passionate about. This will help you tailor your communication to their interests and needs, and show that you have done your homework. You can also use this information to find common ground and start a conversation.
Once, I reached out to a Director of an AI recognition company on LinkedIn. As I explored the company profile, I discovered several business connections related to our current projects. Delving further, I found that the new AI engines they were using could potentially benefit our existing customers. Researching their work not only sparked a meaningful conversation but also uncovered exciting opportunities for collaboration.
Once you have identified and researched your target technical experts, you can reach out to them via email, social media, or other platforms. Be polite, concise, and professional in your message. Introduce yourself, explain why you are contacting them, and state your goal. Avoid asking for too much or being too vague. For example, instead of saying "I want to learn from you", say "I would love to hear your insights on X topic".
I am sure that to connect effectively with any technical experts, avoid vague or overly broad requests. Instead, be specific about your goals and questions. For example, refrain from saying, "I want to learn from you," and instead, say, "I'm interested in your insights on [specific topic]." Clarity and purpose are key in your interactions.
After you have initiated contact, make sure to follow up and follow through. If they respond to your message, thank them for their time and attention, and keep the conversation going. If they agree to help you with your goal, follow their advice and show your progress. If they invite you to a meeting, a webinar, or a conference, attend and participate. Show that you are genuinely interested and grateful for their support.
Defenitely should avoid being passive or disengaged. Instead, actively follow up, take action on their advice, and express gratitude for their support. Active and appreciative engagement strengthens professional relationships.
As you communicate and collaborate with technical experts, try to build rapport and trust with them. Show your curiosity, enthusiasm, and respect for their work. Ask relevant questions, share your insights, and provide feedback. Avoid arguing, criticizing, or dismissing their opinions. Be humble, honest, and open-minded. Show that you are willing to learn and grow from their expertise.
Finally, don't let the relationship fade away after you have achieved your goal. Keep in touch with the technical experts and update them on your career and projects. Congratulate them on their achievements and milestones. Share useful resources and opportunities with them. Ask them for referrals or recommendations if appropriate. Remember that building relationships with technical experts is a long-term process that requires ongoing effort and care.
I have switched industries 8 times in my career: steel, academia, refining, software, chemicals, industrial gasses, agribusiness, biotech. In every industry switch, I found out who the SMEs around me were for the work I needed to complete. I would "humble myself" and would then ask them to give me a 3 hour block of time to teach me. This usually saved me 300 hours of study. It is amazing what you can learn from a 3 hour concentrated session. But I would then follow that up with about 20 hours of reading to make the information stick. There is a TED talk by Josh Kaughman(sp) that expands on this idea. This always made me "good enough" to ask questions BUT not an SME.
Building relationships with technical experts in my field involves attending industry events, engaging with them on social media and online forums, seeking collaboration opportunities, providing value and assistance, attending their workshops and webinars, asking for advice when needed, maintaining respectful communication, and staying updated with their work. Building relationships takes time, so be patient and genuine in your interactions, demonstrating a sincere interest in their expertise and contributing positively to your professional community.