Here's how you can establish professional relationships through informational interviews.

Go this way: - Target people in your field. Research their background. - Craft a clear email requesting a brief chat to learn about their career. - Prepare insightful questions about their role and company. - Actively listen, show genuine interest, and express gratitude. - Follow up with a thank-you note and stay connected!

Identify and reach out to industry professionals whose careers you admire. Request a meeting to learn about their experiences and insights. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in their field. Be respectful of their time, keeping the conversation concise and focused. After the interview, follow up with a thank-you note expressing your appreciation. Maintain the relationship by staying in touch, sharing relevant updates, and seeking opportunities to provide value in return. This approach helps build a network of meaningful professional connections.

Esta preparación previa a la entrevista implica no sólo informarte en profundidad de quien es la persona con la que te reunirás, sino que a la vez tener un discurso claro con tu propia presentación, de manera que esta sea atractiva y transmita realmente quien eres, cómo te diferencias y cual es tu objetivo con esta reunión.

En esta instancia de hacer el contacto será de mucha ayuda no sólo "pedir" sino también "ofrecer". Si bien estás haciendo una petición de una conversación para aprender de su experiencia, resultará mucho mas atractivo para tu interlocutor saber que puede establecer contigo una relación de "reciprocidad" en la cual tú también estás dispuesto a hacer alguna contribución, pudiendo generarse una instancia de colaboración mutua.

Be genuinely CURIOUS about the person in front of you. What is one thing you can learn from them? What are you learning from this situation, both about what's happening and about yourself? When you tap into curiosity, judgment and expectations fade away, leaving more space for feelings of connection and empathy!

A la actitud de curiosidad yo agregaría autenticidad. No debemos olvidar que lo que buscamos con estas entrevistas es establecer relaciones humanas, por lo que no saco nada siendo curioso y preguntando mucho si no me muestro tal cual soy y logro generar una instancia social agradable y espontánea.

Most of us go through active periods of building our networks when job-seeking or looking for input or assistance for something urgent. When we make personalized efforts to connect or help those in our networks outside of those urgent times, we can build a more authentic network community built on trust and respect. A natural way to nurture those ties is to follow up with those who have helped us find a new role or helpful connections that moved us forward. Send a personalized message to let them know how they helped you and ask "what can I do for you?" And by all means, don't rely on the LI-generated responses; give a message your voice and your touch to stand apart.

As a freelancer success specialist, I recommend leveraging digital platforms to maximize your networking potential. Utilize LinkedIn, online forums, and virtual events to connect with professionals in your field. Craft a compelling online presence that showcases your expertise and attracts potential mentors. When requesting informational interviews, personalize your approach by referencing shared interests or mutual connections. During virtual meetings, ensure a professional setting and strong internet connection. Follow up with meaningful interactions, such as sharing relevant articles or congratulating them on their achievements. Remember, building relationships in the digital space requires consistent effort and genuine engagement.

Building rapport through genuine interest in the other person's experiences and perspectives fosters a meaningful connection. Additionally, demonstrating gratitude for their time and insights reinforces your professionalism and appreciation. Considering how you can reciprocate value, such as sharing relevant resources or offering assistance if opportunities arise, can further solidify a mutually beneficial relationship. Moreover, maintaining regular but respectful communication helps sustain these connections over time, turning them into enduring professional relationships. Lastly, reflecting on key takeaways and integrating them into your own career journey shows a commitment to continuous learning and growth.