Building lasting connections with industry influencers requires authenticity and value. Start by genuinely engaging with their content—leave thoughtful comments, share their work with your perspective, and show consistent interest. Don’t pitch or seek favors right away; instead, focus on building rapport. When the time feels right, reach out with something meaningful—a collaboration idea, insights they’d value, or a resource that could help them. Influencers are people first; mutual respect and genuine interaction lay the groundwork for lasting relationships.

There needs to be a value prop there to have something that is meaningful. It's not always when you need something or they need money. Engage with posts, send messages or stories they may be interested in. Just be a good human. It really isn't rocket science.

According to a 2023 LinkedIn report, 45% of professionals say they feel disconnected from their network despite regular online interactions. To foster meaningful connections with industry influencers, I focus on shared value creation. Initiating collaboration on projects, such as co-authoring industry reports or hosting panel discussions, opens avenues for mutual learning and growth. Consistent engagement through personalized follow-ups and attending niche events helps to strengthen relationships beyond digital platforms. I also leverage storytelling in professional discussions, sharing authentic experiences that align with the influencer’s expertise, creating a bond grounded in trust and respect.

Start with not forcing connections but building with organic flow. Building lasting connections with industry influencers starts with genuine relationship-building. First, engage with their content—commenting, sharing, or even offering thoughtful insights on their work. Then,, look for opportunities to collaborate on projects or initiatives that align with both your goals. Be consistent, not just in your outreach, but also in demonstrating value over time. And remember, building trust is a marathon, not a sprint—it’s about showing up, being authentic, and contributing to their success as much as your own. Its a strategy of consistency, and patience.

The best connections don’t start with what you want. They start with what you can give. Building lasting relationships with industry influencers isn’t about chasing visibility or status. It’s about offering something meaningful—insight, collaboration, or simply the willingness to listen. For me, that’s looked like sharing stories that resonate, amplifying voices that need to be heard, and reaching out with genuine curiosity about someone else’s work. Because real connections aren’t transactional. They’re built on trust, shared purpose, and the quiet recognition that we’re all trying to make something better. Start with generosity. When you show up with value, connections follow.