Get clear about who you're specifically looking to meet. And, then, be loud about that! If you want to meet more musicians who live in your city, play at bars regularly on weekdays, and have at least 5k followers on Instagram, SAY THAT! Put it out there into the world, because someone already in your orbit might know someone who fits that. It seems counterintuitive, but actually, being REALLY specific about who you're looking to meet is SO MUCH MORE helpful to the people you already know. I love it when people ask me if I know someone hyper-specific! If I don't it's easier to say, "No, but you should totally talk to this person...they might know someone!"

Networking: Attend industry events to meet potential clients, investors, and partners. Build online presence: Use social media to connect with professionals, customers, and partners. Invest in partnerships: Collaborate with complementary businesses to expand your reach. Provide value: Offer assistance and solutions without expecting immediate returns. Maintain communication: Regularly update and engage with your network. Attend industry events: Participate in local meetups and industry-specific gatherings. Offer mentorship: Share your expertise to help others succeed. Join professional organizations: Become a member to access networking opportunities. Follow up: Stay engaged with new contacts over time.

Entrepreneurship is only about the people you work with. You will turn rocks and go through contacts because most are terrible but over time the team becomes trustworthy and supportive for your goals. Personal persistence is more important but those around you make it possible.

Ditch the transactional approach! Build trust by showing genuine curiosity and a desire to learn from others. Remember, it's about connection, not transactions.

In building an entrepreneurial venture, like building a strong, personal relationship, trust is everything. When I am advising companies, I often find myself saying, “in the spirit of complete transparency…” Being above board, without any hidden agendas or ulterior motives is a key to establish and keep business relationships. The person on the other side of the phone, zoom call, or table is just a person - working to do their best with their own concerns and goals. Understanding and serving the other persons objectives and desired outcomes out of the business relationship is absolutely the best way arrive at the place of success and a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship.

I absolutely agree that adding value to her relationship Before Asking for anything is key. I get a couple a LinkedIn messages every day from people trying to sell me something or make money from me in someway or another - as their first contact! I reject each and everyone of these immediately. On the other hand, I get one or two LinkedIn invites per week of people offering me something of value that is non-salesy, and is in line with my own field of interest. I almost always respond positively to those. To be clear, I am happy to do business with people I’ve met through LinkedIn, but not on the first or second contact. I need to get to know them and trust them first. Be genuine, and giving in your communications - It will work wonders.

A natural way to add value and deepen relationships is by focusing on how you can empower and inspire others, not just promoting your services. When you prioritize their (your audience's) emotional journey, trust and lasting results naturally follow.