What are some effective ways to build relationships with industry leaders in Mechanics?

First things first, You know that you have been remarkably lucky if one of the industry leaders agreed to spend few minutes with you to discuss a certain topic, therefore you have to be so concise in the same time fun person to speak with, you don't want to be perceived as an investigator that getting all of what you need because your job or your forecasted future profits tells you to do so, it must be genuine, a two way discussion, offer the leader some insights about your past and current challenges and how you overcame them, make him/her feel that he/she the only part giving with nothing in return. Industry Leaders won't be the leaders if they offered everything they know for free even if they genuinely likes you. Be generous & fun.

There are some leaders that just enjoy what they do, or might be generous with their time. It is never a good idea to prejudge on any situation. Through technology we are more connected than ever when it comes to identifying subject matter experts. The use of technology helps with reducing barriers, and increases the opportunity to engage with a person in a field of interest.

Professional interactions. Discussion on various software tools available in the industry and their suitability and applicability. Sharing knowledge and experience.

I did an extended research of many leaders' interviews where hosts succeeded in increase leaders' engagement level. The conclusion of my analysis: -Ask curiously, open-ended questions & avoid closed ended as much as possible. -Effective communication, starting with your words ending with your eye contact and your body language in general. -being present soul and body, we all know when people hear you just to answer or they hear you to listen!. -Attend same industry events if there was a time space before your meeting date with the leader if there's no current local events in your area there are always past webinars & recorded events, watch them observe the technical language and words which are being used regularly by the speakers.

The key is to make the industry leader feel like you are worthy peer for discussions, and offering him/her insights about your past experiences, make him feel like he is learning from you even if it was small knowledge in compare to what he is is giving you, at the end this is better than not giving anything at all in return.

Sharing experience and asking for insight. . I've noticed that with many experienced and high ranking professionals within the technical feilds, it is always good to ask for insight. They have already experienced some of the situations that you have been through within the working environment so a very effective way is to ask them for their advice or insight. They will elaborate on what to do and not to do in such situations. This is helpful for you and it gives you a common interests in any conversation that you may have. It is good to ask for their insight but also good to show your technical expertise and experience if asked for within the conversation. It mustn't feel like a teaching moment but a collaborative one.

If the outcomes from your interactions with the industry leader was you both becAme friends then it's the most positive outcome that anyone wish to get, this simply means you have built a decent level of knowledge, information, past experiences which made him/her (the leader) perceive you as a like, and As much as people refuse to believe it, the company you keep does have an impact and influence on your choices therefore congratulations on your future gains because of your today friendship.