How to Get the Attention of Influential People and Build Relationships
Everyone dreams of being featured or recognized by influential people. But let’s face it: getting their attention is tough. Influencers and thought leaders are bombarded with countless messages, pitches, and requests every day.
So how do you stand out in the crowd? How can you not only catch their attention but also build a meaningful relationship with them?
Here are four practical strategies to inspire and add value to influencers, paving the way for genuine connections:
1. Engage with Their Content and Share Your Results
One of the most effective ways to get noticed is to show influencers that their advice has made an impact.
- Read their publications: Dive into their blog posts, books, articles, or other content to understand their ideas and expertise.
- Apply their suggestions: Take actionable steps based on their advice or recommendations.
- Report your findings: Share your results with them. Whether it’s a success story or a lesson learned, this shows you’ve taken their content seriously and benefited from it.
Example:
- If an influencer writes a book about productivity, implement their techniques and send them a brief note like:
“I read your book and applied your advice on time blocking. It’s helped me boost my productivity by 40%. Thank you for sharing such actionable insights!”
This genuine approach makes you memorable and demonstrates your appreciation for their work.
2. Act as a Testimonial for Their Products or Services
If an influencer has a product or service, one of the best ways to stand out is by becoming a satisfied customer or advocate.
- Try their offerings: Whether it’s a course, tool, or software, invest in what they’re offering if it aligns with your needs.
- Provide a testimonial: Share how their product or service has helped you.
- Be proactive in promoting them: Mention them on social media, write a review, or recommend their offerings to others.
Why This Works:
Influencers value testimonials because they build credibility. When you genuinely advocate for their work, you add value to their brand while building rapport.
3. Showcase Them as Experts in Your Niche
Highlighting influencers in your own content is a powerful way to get their attention.
- Feature them in your writing: Include their quotes, advice, or expertise in your blog posts, articles, or newsletters.
- Tag them when you share: When you share your content on social media, tag them and let them know they’ve been featured.
- Be specific: Instead of vague praise, explain why you think their work is valuable or how it’s relevant to your audience.
Example:
- If you’re writing a blog post about leadership, include a quote from the influencer and write:
“[Influencer Name] once said, ‘Great leaders empower others to succeed.’ This wisdom has reshaped how I approach team management, and I wanted to share it with you.”
This creates positive exposure for them while demonstrating your respect for their expertise.
4. Introduce Yourself Strategically
Directly reaching out to an influencer is much more effective when you’ve already built some level of connection.
- Build relationships within their circle: Engage with people they already trust, such as their colleagues, collaborators, or other fans.
- Show your value: Offer something meaningful, whether it’s a unique perspective, helpful resource, or collaboration opportunity.
- Time your approach: Wait until you’ve consistently engaged with their content, contributed positively, or supported their work before introducing yourself.
Example:
Once you’ve established rapport, send a personalized message like:
“Hi [Influencer Name], I’ve been following your work on [specific topic] for a while and have implemented several of your strategies. They’ve made a significant impact on [specific result]. I’d love to connect and learn more about your journey!”
Why These Strategies Work
Influencers are constantly approached by people asking for favors, but few take the time to offer value first. By:
- Engaging with their content,
- Providing testimonials,
- Promoting them in your work, and
- Building strategic relationships,
You’re demonstrating that you respect their time, expertise, and contribution.
These small yet meaningful actions set you apart, making influencers more likely to notice you and reciprocate the effort.
The Big Question: What Value Can You Add?
Building relationships with influential people starts with giving, not asking. Think about what you can do to support their work, highlight their expertise, or make their lives a little easier.
When you approach relationships with generosity and authenticity, you’ll find it much easier to connect with the people who inspire you most.
Source: sumo.com