We start by showing up - consistently and thoughtfully. Show up on their social media posts with meaningful comments, not just generic ones. Show up at their events if you're invited, and if they call or text, respond promptly. From my years of experience engaging customers and employees, I've learned that if you want people to notice you, the first step is putting in the effort to be present. Be consistent and be supportive by showing up 🙋♀️

Setting yourself apart from others takes research, learning & education on your part. To connect with top influencers, I suggest prioritizing strategic networking efforts. Start by researching their backgrounds & interests so you can craft a tailored initial outreach message. A personalized introduction that highlights insights about them, establishing common ground. Attending industry events can help too if you make an effort to introduce yourself with a focus on being memorable & knowledgeable, expressing your desire to learn from them. It's all about building relationships & being genuine in your approach. Remember, these relationships require nurturing & patience, but the time and effort you invest will pay off in the long run!

To connect with top influencers, I’d focus on building genuine, value-driven relationships. First, I’d research their work deeply to understand their values, goals, and recent projects. Then, I’d engage meaningfully by sharing thoughtful comments on their content, highlighting specific insights I found impactful. Offering value, such as sharing relevant resources or collaboration ideas, can demonstrate my sincerity. Personalizing outreach, rather than using generic messages, shows respect for their time. Consistently showcasing my own expertise and authenticity on public platforms would also help position me as a credible peer, fostering mutual interest and meaningful connections.

Identify shared contacts and interests, then connect with the person on social media by sharing relevant content. Invite them to events that align with their interests. Sometimes, a well-contextualized cold call can also be effective.

If you follow an influencer or thought leader in your industry, you will want to study their work and disseminate it. If you like a particular post or piece of content, share it, comment on it, tag the author, give genuine compliments. If there is a chance to hear them speak live, make sure you attend. If possible, show them how you have applied what they advocate, showcase the results of their approach. Also be clear on what you actually want - Brand by association? Potential collaboration? Photo opportunities? To develop your own learning and influence? I'm sure there are more reasons, but you need to know your own and act accordingly.

When connecting with top influencers in any industry I'd recommend to my clients 3 mindsets to set them apart: 1. Being Authentic: Sharing their unique perspective and point of view. I believe authenticity is key to set someone apart. 2. Adding Value: Contributing thoughtfully to a top influencer's work by sharing insights, engaging in the conversation they're participating and amplifying their message. 3. Asking good questions: Good questions are key to creating new conversations. Not being afraid to show curiosity and to engage in constructive dialogue.