How to Build Relationships with Industry Leaders

If you’re a community builder, event, or brand marketer, this skill is a must.?

Let’s assume you’re starting from scratch.?

And before you start, make sure that you have one of the following in you, ideally all three:

1. ?You’re genuinely curious about people
2. ?You’re obsessed with the industry
3. ?Know what the value you have to offer (you always do, have to find what it is)???

Have at least one of them? Let’s get started.??

Step 1.?Getting in touch - really do your research, don’t try to fake it.?

• Attend events where they speak
• Follow their work online
• Provide a testimonial for their product
• Ask a thought-provoking question
• Leave a 5-star review for their podcast & book
• Try to get a warm introduction if possible
• Good old-fashioned cold email still works??

???Step 2. Getting into a relationship - don’t be annoying and manipulative, don’t waste time.??

• Invite them to speak at your webinar, event, or podcast?
• Promote their new book or any content
• Help with the latest product launch?
• Help with hiring?
• Introduce to other influencers in the space??

Step 3. Maintaining relationships - expect to do the majority of the heavy lifting

• Understand their goals and challenges
• Offer to collaborate on the projects if it makes sense
• Try to meet?in-person?quarterly, if not possible Zoom, then text, then email??
• Host private events
• Send meaningful gifts
• Build your trusted peer advisory board??

Building relationships with industry leaders is a superpower that every successful community builder and event marketer must have. You can learn it by actively practicing the tactics above, or you know it slowly by starting a community or building an event from scratch.??