How can you build strong relationships with more experienced professionals?

1 Find the right people

The first step is to identify the professionals who can offer you the most relevant and helpful insights, feedback, and guidance for your goals and challenges. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or industry-specific forums, to search for people who have the expertise, experience, and reputation that you admire and aspire to. You can also ask for referrals from your existing contacts, or attend events, workshops, or webinars where you can meet them in person or virtually.

3 Build trust and rapport

After you get a positive response, you should prepare for the initial conversation by doing some research on their background, projects, and interests. You should also have some clear and relevant questions, topics, or ideas that you want to discuss with them. During the conversation, you should be respectful, attentive, and engaged. You should listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, share your own perspectives, and express gratitude. You should also look for common ground, such as shared values, hobbies, or challenges, and use humor, stories, or compliments to create a positive and friendly atmosphere.

4 Follow up and stay in touch

After the conversation, you should send a thank-you note that summarizes the key points, insights, or action steps that you learned from them, and how you plan to apply them to your situation. You should also mention any value that you can provide to them, such as feedback, referrals, or resources. You should then keep the communication open and consistent by updating them on your progress, asking for their opinions, or sharing relevant news, articles, or opportunities. You should also look for ways to support them, such as endorsing their skills, recommending their products or services, or inviting them to your events.

5 Seek feedback and advice

As you build a stronger and deeper relationship with the professional, you can start to seek more feedback and advice from them on your challenges, goals, or decisions. You should be open-minded, humble, and willing to learn from their experiences and perspectives. You should also be specific, clear, and respectful when asking for their help, and explain how their input can make a difference for you. You should also respect their time and boundaries, and avoid asking for too much or too often. You should also implement their suggestions, or explain why you chose a different course of action.

6 Give back and appreciate

Finally, you should always remember to give back and appreciate the professional for their support, guidance, and generosity. You should acknowledge their contributions, celebrate their achievements, and recognize their impact. You should also look for ways to reciprocate their value, such as introducing them to other contacts, promoting their work, or collaborating on projects. You should also show your appreciation by sending them thank-you notes, gifts, or testimonials. You should also maintain the relationship by checking in regularly, inviting them to your events, or asking them to be your mentor, advisor, or partner.