Building professional relationships with strangers can be challenging, but also rewarding. Whether you want to expand your network, find new opportunities, or learn from others, you need to know how to approach and connect with people you don't know yet. Here are some tips to help you do that.
One of the best ways to build rapport with strangers is to show genuine interest in them and their work. Ask open-ended questions that invite them to share their stories, insights, and opinions. Listen actively and empathetically, and avoid judging or interrupting. Try to find common ground and relate to their experiences. Show appreciation and respect for their perspective and expertise.
Dont be afraid of connecting with strangers! Firstly take a minute to check out someones profile. Check for any interests, mutual friends, where they are based that you could use as an ice breaker or initial question. Be genuine and transparent with your intro message. 'Hey i'd love to connect with you because I think there is a partnership opportunity to be had with X and X' It can be that simple :-)
Being curious is something I live by. So often when I speak to founders and CEOs and my curiosity takes me to a line of questioning that I can visibly tell surprises them, but pleases them also. "Tell me about your business" is great question, but should happen on every discovery call and shows a hunger-driven curiosity. Layering on top of this and asking questions like "Did you ever expect your business to be where it is now when you started" or "I'm really interested in your company name - is there a story behind it?" These small questions going a few layers deeper show genuine interest and also help you to understand your partners mindset, company vision etc. If you can portray this you go great steps towards building good rapport.
Most of us don't spend enough time learning, even about our own industry. We are usually too busy with the current crises. It is important to stay abreast of current events but also future trends. You should know which are the best and the worst run companies. Seek out information sources that not everyone reads. You must have a point of view on trends and test your views with people who know more than you. The Japanese like to "compare notes" on an industry and that is a good enough door opener. Have a quick call, Zoom, breakfast, lunch, or drinks with people who can sharpen your vision. Listen and be ready to share information they may not know. Have five or six prepared questions. Be able to get off the line in ten minutes.
Building professional relationships takes time, consistency, and effort. Be patient, be genuine, and focus on creating mutually beneficial connections.
Another way to build trust and credibility with strangers is to offer value and support. This could mean sharing relevant information, resources, or contacts that could help them with their goals or challenges. It could also mean giving feedback, advice, or referrals that they might appreciate. Or it could mean expressing gratitude, recognition, or encouragement for their achievements or efforts. The key is to be generous and helpful, without expecting anything in return.
To develop your network, reach out to people who are in some kind of transition and offer to help. It could be leaving a job or starting a new job, moving across country, launching a new product, making an acquisition, or starting a business. When people are in transition, they need all kinds of new resources. Start by asking their objectives and listening to their plan. Ask what they need most. You may know a candidate for a job they have open, or a vendor or lawyer who can be helpful. Several days later you might think of a great resource and can send a follow-up note. Always check with both sides before making an introduction, a process which will endear you to them, as they can opt out easily.
Some of the best partner relationships I have built have started where we agree there is no mutual business fit. This means from the offset neither party had a selfish gain and any advice or referrals offered were out of genuine goodwill. And I'm a believer in what goes around comes around. Doing aa good deed upfront drives reciprocity and opens the relationship very well.
A single conversation is not enough to build a lasting professional relationship. You need to follow up and stay in touch with the people you meet and want to connect with. Send a follow-up message within a day or two after your initial contact, and remind them of who you are and what you talked about. Express your interest in continuing the conversation, and suggest a specific way to do that. For example, you could invite them to a relevant event, webinar, or podcast, or ask them to join a group, community, or platform where you can interact more. Keep the communication consistent and relevant, and avoid spamming or pestering them.
When I was much younger, I thought I would never see this or that person again. Since then I have learned that almost everyone stays in your network. Just because they might not be needed for this year's challenges, doesn't mean they won't be helpful next year. Sales people talk about "triple touch" meaning three different contacts is enough to make a relationship. It could be lunch, or a book or Netflix recommendation, or checking in after hearing about a life event. I am always disappointed when people drop out of touch. Just one touch point per year keep valuable relationships alive.
The most important thing to remember when building professional relationships with strangers is to be authentic and respectful. Don't pretend to be someone you're not, or say things you don't mean. Be honest and transparent about your intentions, goals, and values. Don't use flattery, manipulation, or pressure tactics to get what you want. Respect their time, privacy, and boundaries. Don't ask for favors, introductions, or endorsements before you have established a solid rapport and trust. Be yourself, and let them be themselves.
Building professional relationships with strangers is a skill that you can improve with practice and feedback. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from the people you meet and connect with, and learn from their suggestions and criticisms. Ask them how you can improve your communication, networking, and relationship-building skills. Seek mentors, coaches, or peers who can help you grow and develop in this area. Be open to learning new things, and adapting to different situations and personalities.
Building professional relationships with strangers can be fun and rewarding. You can meet interesting and diverse people, learn new things, discover new opportunities, and create value for yourself and others. You can also make a positive impact on your industry, community, and society. Enjoy the process of reaching out, connecting, and collaborating with strangers, and celebrate the results of your efforts.