Jos Essers

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a new relationship. Custom tailoring is the only way to go.

Here's a process to develop an approach strategy for building (or rebuilding) a relationship:

1. Consider the most appropriate medium of outreach – email, phone, social media, in person.  How have you communicated with the person in the past? What's more likely to catch their attention?
2. For cold contacts, try to find someone to introduce you. If that fails, research online so you know what matters to them, and can use that to tailor your approach.  
3. Identify currency to offer. How can you make your approach generous, even if it's just by brightening their day with a kind and genuine email? Do you have expertise you could offer? An introduction you could make? An article relevant to their business? An idea?
4. Determine the content of your outreach – the style, length, and what you're going to say. If it's and email, make it clear and concise – get to the point. If it's an in-person meeting, think carefully about what you'll wear. It's not about being well-heeled as much as it is about asking yourself what you want to say with your look. What's the brand you'd like to communicate? If in doubt, ask a friend for help.
5. Determine timing. When is the person most likely to have the mental space to be receptive to a new demand on his or her attention? Be sensitive to their schedule.
6. GO FOR IT!!

For discussion on the blog: What's your uniform when it comes to "hair and makeup" for a first-time meeting? Do you think about how your presentation is helping to tell the story of your brand?

Warmest,
Keith

Posted via email from Jos Essers