How can you build relationships with people at other companies?

People are busy trying to achieve what you are: to acquire, retain, and enrich their most profitable relationships. So, ask... "how can I add value in these areas while reaching my goals?" Defining your value clearly helps build fair and equitable business relationships. Think about needs, characteristics, circumstances, and capacity of others and how you can align with their value outcomes while being fair to yours. I have written extensively that you also have to align expectations beyond value definition and individual expectations. You must also align your expectations for level of engagement, accountability, knowledge, transparence, and the experience of being in a relationship with you. These 7 areas are essential to relationships.

In my experience, if you want to built a relationship with a particular individual then you need to offer them value. As it is you that is making the first move, it's important to do the right level of research and intelligence gathering to identify specific things that are of interest or that are causing a problem. If you can help, then this provides an opportunity to engage and to kick-start the relationship building process.

When I think about why I'm reaching out to someone new, it's more than just making a contact. I'm always looking to build a relationship where we both get something good out of it. One of the rules of persuasion is that someone is more willing to help you when you ask them for a favor (made famous by Benjamin Franklin). Maybe I want to learn from someone who knows a lot, or maybe I can share something with them. This makes our talk more valuable. Each conversation is a step towards learning more or maybe working on something together. I might be amazed by how they solved a problem or I could give them a tip that really helps them out. I try to send messages that show I'm not just trying to meet them—I want to have real talks that matter.

I recall telling someone recently that I see building relationships with contacts as being akin to the building the foundations for great storytelling - both need the same questions answered: - who? - what? - when? - why? - where? - how? If you’re able to answer these six questions you will have a plan when approaching someone at another company - or anyone for that matter.

Forge connections with substance, not small talk. I toss the dynamite idea out there - if it's truly explosive, they'll come racing. No takers? It's time to cook up something even more electrifying. No filler; all fireworks.

While identifying your purpose is crucial, what truly sets the stage for success is authenticity. Authenticity should guide your pursuits, whether driven by curiosity or growth. When you approach interactions with a sincere intent to create value for both parties, the return on investment transcends mere transactions. It becomes a foundation for meaningful connections and collective advancement, where everyone involved stands to gain.

Your purpose is what drives your mission, your habits, your team and your mindset. Choose the direction and make it your whole reason to live. Go!

- Networking Mastery: Connecting Beyond Company Borders! 🌐 - I'd suggest attending industry events and joining professional groups for valuable networking. 🤝 - Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect and share insights. 💻 - Reach out directly to individuals with respect and clear intentions. 📧 - Engage in meaningful conversations, showing genuine interest and empathy. 💬 - Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to understand their perspective. 🎙️ - Share relevant stories and experiences to build rapport and trust. 📖 - By adopting these strategies, foster lasting relationships and a culture of innovation. 🚀

In my journey of networking, I've realised the importance of stepping outside my industry bubble. Staying within the same domain often limits the depth of knowledge and perspective you can gain. Platforms like Lunchclub became my gateway to diverse connections during the pandemic. I've met an array of fascinating individuals: from someone who arranged private jets for their boss to a person who witnessed the 10 yr journey of Nokia, and a scientist who transitioned from cloning research to leading a tech team. These interactions have taught me that it's the thought processes, the pivotal decisions, that are truly intriguing. Such platforms have not only expanded my network but also enriched my decision-making framework.

As an Assistant Manager - Domestic Sales, of a reputable private firm, building strong external relationships is vital. My tips: 1- Attend industry events and networking sessions. Initiate collaborations and partnerships. 2- Maintain regular communication and follow-ups. 3- Offer value through insights and resources. 4- Foster trust and transparency for long-term connections.

In my opinion the channel is less important than who is making contact. It is always preferable to get a warm introduction, so do the proper research on LinkedIn to identify who can help with an intro. When you reach out to this person to ask for help they could also provide you with some nuanced insight into the person you want to meet. Such as what is important to them, specifics about their role, their personality style and also tips on how to engage with them. If they handle the intro, they will choose the best channel based on previous interactions.

In forging business relationships, I play it like chess, not checkers. Lead with a bold idea that demands attention. If it doesn't catch eyes on LinkedIn, I'll try a tweet or an email—never a barrage, always targeted, one channel at a time. If that first message goes unseen, I switch up the approach. But it's key to keep it sequential; hit 'em with the same thing everywhere, and you're just noise. The right move sparks the conversation. If silence, I regroup. The goal? To make them think, "I need what they're selling."

Based on my experience, Choosing the best reach out chanel it depends on your purpose ,if you are willing to grow your personal network,using LinkedIn It would best way to connect with people, LinkedIn provides an opportunity for people to evaluate you instantly by -Learning who you are -What are your values -Industry that you are working at Also your Mutual friends would be an encouragement

In my opinion, the selection of the most suitable communication channel depends on your specific goals. If your aim is to expand your personal network, LinkedIn is an excellent platform for connecting with people. LinkedIn offers the advantage of allowing others to quickly assess you by: Discovering more about your identity. Understanding your core values. Identifying the industry you work in. Additionally, having mutual connections can provide further motivation.

Identify Your Audience: Understand your target audience and where they are most active. Different demographics prefer specific communication channels, so tailor your approach to reach them where they are. Choose the Right Channels: Select a mix of communication channels that align with your goals and audience. This may include social media, email marketing, websites, blogs, print media, TV, radio, in-person events, and more. Consistent Branding: Maintain a consistent brand identity and messaging across all channels. Your branding should be easily recognizable and reflect your organization's values and mission. Content Adaptation: Adapt your content for each channel. What works on social media may not work in print, and vice versa.

For me, the key to building relationships is research. Not just desktop research, this will give you a good base, but you need to do some intelligence gathering by talking to people (peers, direct reports, industry experts) about the person and company. This will give you a good handle on them, their business and their priorities. The key is to come to the table with a view on what is important to them, then you will have their attention. If you can then provide valuable insight to help them make progress, you will be well on the way to building a trusted relationship.

Add value, then multiply it. Approach with an idea that's not just good but game-changing. Deliver massive value to them first—that's non-negotiable. It's about giving more than you get, and that's the key to genuine, solid connections. If it's not a win for them, it's back to the drawing board. So, when I say I approach stakeholders with a killer idea, it means I've done my homework. I know their pain points, and I'm ready with the leverage that doesn't just alleviate the pain but propels them forward. That's how I build relationships and a network of industry influencers who know that when I reach out, it's worth their time. Every interaction should leave them better off than they were before.

Active Listening: Listen attentively when others are speaking. This shows respect and helps you understand their perspective better. Empathy: Show empathy by acknowledging and understanding the feelings and emotions of others. This builds trust and rapport. Help and Support: Offer assistance or support when needed. Providing practical help or solutions can be invaluable. Sharing Knowledge: Share your knowledge, expertise, and insights to contribute to the conversation or problem-solving process. Problem Solving: Collaborate with others to find solutions to challenges or obstacles. Offer your ideas and work together to address issues. Appreciation: Express appreciation and gratitude for the contributions and efforts of others.

I dive into chats with folks from other companies like I’m brainstorming the next big launch. I ask the kind of open-ended questions that invite creative thinking, listen like the answers are key to my next innovation, and share stories that are more about ‘eureka’ moments than boardroom brags. It's about that back-and-forth, give-and-take, less formal, more "let's solve this puzzle together." Keep it light, keep it insightful, and before you know it, you're not just talking, you're co-creating.

I have researched this specific subject for my Doctorate. I interviewed CXO's about their most trusted vendor/partner relationships. There were a few things that were important when building B2B relationships. 1) Aligned personalities or at least not a clash of personalities 2) Meeting face to face (either in person or virtual meeting) 3) Having a solid knowhow on your subject of expertise (this builds credibility and explains why they should listen to you) 4) Demonstrate a strong work ethic These things combined will provide fertile ground for the relationship to prosper.

When building connections with individuals in different companies and firms it can be easy to just talk about ourselves. Earlier in my career, I enjoyed going to HR conferences as it was a way to meet people in similar and different roles. One of my favourite questions to ask is "What do you enjoy about working at (name of their company/firm/organisation)? Now that I run my own inclusion, professional development and coaching consultancy I prefer not to take a direct sales approach and still ask people I meet at other organisations "What do you enjoy about working at (name of their company/firm/organisation) and then the conversation can evolve more naturally.

Active listening is key point, when you listen to people you can find more about their interests , concerns and challenges. Then you can come up with your idea , solution and sympathy that it helps you to build more strong relationships.

I keep connections with other companies alive by bringing them in when I stumble upon something brilliant — a killer idea, an event, or a meeting that screams their name. It's not about the calendar reminders; it's about relevance. When something’s up my alley that could help them too, that's when I reach out. It keeps our connection dynamic, not just routine maintenance.

Think about the relationships you have today, perhaps a former work colleague or past client. There was a time when you were very close but as your jobs changed you drifted apart but you still have that special bond. These are the relationships that you should make sure to nurture. Get back in touch to have a coffee or a lunch or even a virtual meeting. It makes you feel good to catch up with old friends but its an important factor in maintaining your network. Try to do one of these calls a month, and take it from there.

Remember these are human beings. Not just a means to an end for your business objectives. What's worked best for me in maintaining connection is connect with them on a human level. It could be a birthday, it could be a milestone celebration, it could be because you had just thought about them and wondered how they were doing. This isn't a transaction and should transcend work (even if that's all you talk about) if it's a true relationship.

I often meet new connections and new clients. One of the ways I maintain contact or touch base is when I spot something they may be interested in. For example, I'm lucky to work with individuals in their early careers so I often share helpful articles or events I see mentioned on LinkedIn which may be of interest to them. I recently reached out to one of my senior clients for advice. We had built up a great rapport and so I knew that he would be happy to offer some words of wisdom. Another way to stay in touch is to thank people for what you appreciated when working with them, even if was a while ago. This week I pasted a written thank you card to one of my senior HR Leaders as we hadn't seen each other in person for years.

Love what others have shared so in summary and in my experience building relationships with people at other companies can help you expand your network, learn about industry trends, and even open up new business opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, use social media, and reach out directly to individuals. Building relationships takes time, so focus on creating genuine and authentic connections. Over time, these relationships can become valuable resources for your career and business. Get uncomfortable to get comfortable in creating new relationships.