To get ahead, you need to know the right people. And that means networking with influential people. However, it’s not as simple as walking up to them in the street. It would be best if you had a game plan. Here are eight powerful ways to connect with influential people.
Find Connectors
These are people who have a vast network of contacts. They’re the people that you want to meet. If they’re in your industry, follow them on social media and strike up conversations with them. For example, if you are in digital marketing, use Twitter tools like Tweet Deck or SocialBro to monitor what influential people in your industry are tweeting about. Engage with them and show a genuine interest in what they’re doing.
Ask for Interviews
If you want to feature influential people in your company, then ask them for an interview. This is a great way to get their attention. The more information they give, the better it will be for the article/post you produce about them.
Use LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an excellent tool for finding and connecting with influential people. You can search by industry, position, and country to find the right person for you. Once you’ve found them, send them a request to connect. Once they accept, reach out to them via InMail (it’s like emailing someone on LinkedIn). InMail can be expensive, but you can send as many as you want as long as they don’t get marked as spam.
Offer a Solution
Is there a problem you can solve for an influential person? Then send them your product or service. For example, if they have their own business, send them information on your company’s services. Or go to networking events specifically looking for possible clients. Finally, please introduce yourself and offer something that no other company can give them.
Find Out What Makes Them Tick
When you’re trying to connect with someone influential, you need to know what makes them tick. It could be something obvious, like golf or fishing, or it could be something more niche, like playing on the best big win casinos USA. Whatever they’re into, it’s essential to show an interest and find common ground.
Attend an Event
Just because someone is influential, it doesn’t mean they are constantly running around the planet. They may be attending business events in your area. Attend networking events and conferences to meet people who are influential in your industry
Be Helpful
Offer help before you expect anything back from them. For example, if you see that they are participating in an event, offer to help out. Or, if they are hosting a party at their house, bring some snacks along. Every little favor you do for them will make it easier for you to ask for more significant favors later on.
Join a Program
There are many organizations and businesses that host programs to connect people. For example, if you’re looking for a mentor or want to increase your network, several programs are designed to do just that. Some of the programs will cost money, but it’s worth paying for because you get personalized attention from someone who can influence you in your field.