What are the best practices for building relationships with people in other companies?

1 Be clear about your goals

Before you reach out to someone in another company, you should have a clear idea of why you want to connect with them and what you can offer them. Do you want to learn from their expertise, explore potential partnerships, or seek feedback on your work? Do you have any relevant information, resources, or opportunities to share with them? Having a specific and genuine purpose for your communication will help you craft a personalized and respectful message that shows your interest and value.

2 Use the right channels

Depending on your relationship and the context, you may have different options for contacting people in other companies. For example, you can use email, phone, social media, or video calls. You should consider the preferences and availability of your contacts, as well as the level of formality and intimacy of your communication. For instance, email is a common and professional way to introduce yourself, follow up, or share documents. Phone or video calls are more personal and interactive, but they require scheduling and preparation. Social media can be a casual and convenient way to stay in touch, but it may not be appropriate for some situations.

4 Show interest and appreciation

One of the best ways to build rapport and trust with people in other companies is to show interest and appreciation for their work, achievements, and perspectives. You can do this by asking relevant and open-ended questions, listening actively and attentively, providing positive and constructive feedback, and expressing gratitude and recognition. You can also share some personal information, such as your hobbies, passions, or goals, to create a more human and authentic connection. However, you should avoid being too intrusive, personal, or flattering, as this could make them uncomfortable or suspicious.

5 Provide value and support

Another way to strengthen your relationships with people in other companies is to provide value and support to them. You can do this by sharing useful information, resources, or opportunities that could benefit them, such as industry insights, best practices, or referrals. You can also offer your help, advice, or collaboration on their projects, challenges, or goals, if you have the relevant skills, experience, or connections. However, you should avoid being too pushy, demanding, or self-serving, as this could damage your reputation or credibility.

6 Follow up and stay in touch

Finally, to maintain and grow your relationships with people in other companies, you should follow up and stay in touch with them regularly. You can do this by sending a thank-you note, providing an update, requesting feedback, or suggesting a next step after your initial contact or meeting. You can also reach out to them periodically to check in, share news, celebrate milestones, or invite them to events. However, you should avoid being too frequent, irrelevant, or spammy, as this could annoy or overwhelm them.

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?