Ways to Connect with Industry Leaders as an Account Manager

Here’s a secret to help you supercharge your networking. Stop trying to hit home runs with every touch point. Instead, focus on small wins that move the conversation forward. I see so many people making big / vague asks up front: “Can you hop on a 30 minute call?” “Tell me how you accomplished [Big Thing].” These people are super busy and they’re receiving this email from you - a total stranger. The last thing they want is another item on their to do list. Instead, start with a small, simple ask that they can reply to in <30 seconds. Here’s a formula that's been really effective for me: “Hey [Name], your experience in [Industry] is really impressive. I know you're busy, but I just had to ask: If you had to start over and work your way back to [Insert Achievement], would you do A or B? A: [Insert Actionable Thing] B: [Insert Other Actionable Thing]” This formula makes is incredibly easy for them to say "I'd do A" or "I'd do B." Now the door is open! Go do thing A or thing B, get results, and report back. Let this person know you took their advice and then ask for more. This positions you as someone who values their advice and has an action bias -- someone worth investing in. That's going to lead to deeper conversations and stronger relationships!

Building a high-level network is the best way to create 'career insurance' - Here are 7 ways you can network BEFORE you need a job And yes - I've done each of these myself. 1 - Connect a high-level leader to someone looking for podcast guests. Become a connector. Find podcast hosts that would be interested in leaders at your firm. 2 - Plan a 'Career Growth' session at work; invite select managers and leaders as guest speakers. Speaking opportunities will appeal to some leaders; give them an opportunity they can't pass up. 3 - Publish a collaborative LinkedIn article - reach out for quotes and comments from leaders or managers in the space. Reach out to 5–6 leaders and ask for 1 quote on an industry trend. Compile their insights into an article or post; tag them, and amplify their visibility. 4 - Send them an "I built this based on..." message Find a keynote or panel where a leader shared a framework or insight. Build a visual, write an article, or make a slide based on the idea; send it to them. 5 - Send a Video, but Make it About Them Instead of pitching or requesting, record a short video sharing a story of how their work impacted you or your team. Keep it under 60 seconds. 6 - Create a 'Modern Mentorship' Series Turn your learning journey into content. Interview 10 high-level leaders via email or LinkedIn DMs and ask 2-3 thoughtful questions. Share each response as a short post. 7 - Send Periodic 'Gratitude Messages' A simple message thanking them for their inspiration - or something valuable they taught you. Have you tried any of these proactive networking approaches? Let me know if/how they worked. ♻️ Repost if you found this list helpful! Follow me for daily job search strategies.

What's on my mind after Denver Start-Up Week: NETWORKING UP: HOW TO CONNECT WITH THE BIG FISH (WITHOUT BEING A BOTTOM FEEDER)    Networking – we love it or loathe it – but, either way, it’s unavoidable. And the really high stakes opportunities where you’re networking with a big kahuna can feel a lot like a sweaty upper lip and "Oh god, how do I talk to these people without sounding like a desperate fan?"   As someone who's fumbled her way through more networking events than I care to admit, here's what I do to connect with industry leaders without the cringe:   1.    The "Genuine Interest" Approach: Actually care about what they do. Revolutionary, I know.    2.    The "Value First" Strategy: Offer something before asking for anything. Even if it's just a relevant article or insight.   3.    The "Common Ground" Technique: Find shared interests beyond work. Maybe you both love obscure 80s movies or have a weird fascination with pigeons.   4.    The "Question Master" Tactic: Ask thoughtful questions. People love talking about themselves. Let them.   5.    The "Follow-Up" Rule: Send a personalized message after meeting. Reference something specific from your conversation. Show you were actually listening.   6.    The "Long Game" Mindset: Build relationships, not a contact list. Quality over quantity, always.   And remember, networking isn't about collecting business cards like Beanie Babies. It's about building genuine connections.