Strategies for Building Relationships in Science

Want to collaborate with a senior scholar? There is no substitute for building a personal relationship. I get this question a lot from grad students and early-career researchers: “How do I connect with someone more senior I’d like to coauthor with?” Two common paths work—and a third that mostly leads to silence. Path 1: Meet them at a conference, then follow up. This one works best. It’s not about being flashy or aggressive. It’s about being present. Go to their talk. Ask a thoughtful question. Engage with their ideas in a genuine way. Introduce yourself after - either the session, at the social event, or over breakfast. Mention shared interests. Don’t pitch a project. Get to know them. Follow up with a quick note. Reference your exchange. At the next conference, suggest meeting for breakfast to exchange ideas. This isn't networking—this is relationship-building. So be patient. Sometimes, it takes a couple of conferences for a project to happen.\ Sometimes, it never happens, and you make a friend. Either outcome is acceptable. Right? Path 2: Ask for an introduction through someone they trust. Underused. But. People tend to transfer trust from a friend to their friend's friend. So, if someone you trust knows the senior scholar, don't be afraid to ask for an introduction. Be specific: “I’m working on X, I admire their work on Y, and would like to work on X with Y.” If they offer to make introduction, draft a 2–3 sentence intro they can forward. If they tell you it's not a good idea, let the idea drop. Make it easy. If connected, ask questions. Be a real person—not a grant pitch or 30 second elevator pitch. Do not flex. Do not grandstand. Do not overpromise. Just be you. Ask for a cup of coffee over zoom or at the next conference. Even if they are too busy to take on a new project, you will make a valuable contact + get great advice. Senior scholars love dispensing advice - if approached properly - and not pressured. Path 3: Cold email the potential coauthor. This almost never works. It’s not rude—it’s just uncomfortable. Most senior scholars aren’t looking to collaborate with people they don’t know. Not bc they hate strangers, but bc they’re already stretched thin. So if you’re hoping to build that a mentoring or coauthor connection? Start with getting to know them. Start by being in their orbit. Start showing up. Ask questions. Ask about their work. Get to know them. Let the relationship grow before you ask for their time. Before you ask to collaborate. Seriously. So much of collaboration revolves around positive energy - take your time to let it grow. When that energy grows, you'll know. Then ask - or let them ask - it's worth the wait!! Best of luck! #academicjourney

Build relationships and not a network. "Networking" is cringeworthy for many, especially those who feel it is selfish, wrong, or uncomfortable. The good news is that nobody wants to be at the receiving end of your networking efforts too. If you are trying the same old networking tips that promise to boost your connections but leave you feeling more disconnected than ever, that is because networking is killing relationship building. Stop networking and build genuine relationships. You can do that by thinking about a few things. ➡️ Be genuinely curious - Be interested in learning more about the other person in the conversation. ➡️ Find commonalities - Find common topics like books, kids, dogs, and food but remember that while discussing such common topics can be a good icebreaker, relying solely on these surface-level interests can hinder deeper connections. Dig a little deeper into shared passions or experiences to foster a more meaningful bond. ➡️ Relationships over transactions - Don't treat networking as a transaction. Look for ways to help others genuinely without expecting an immediate return or any return. Building a network based on mutual support and generosity fosters authentic connections that go beyond mere self-interest. ➡️ Notes of gratitude vs. genuine appreciation - Sending notes of gratitude can be powerful, but they lose their impact if they become a routine gesture. Instead, express genuine appreciation when someone has truly made a difference. Personalized and heartfelt acknowledgments go a long way in building lasting connections. ➡️ Public networks vs. personal connections - Investing in public networks can widen your reach, but don't neglect the importance of personal connections. Balancing both public and private networks ensures a well-rounded and authentic approach to relationship building. Remember fostering genuine relationships is important. By avoiding the common pitfalls of networking and focusing on authentic connections, you will be building a network that truly matters.

Most people don’t have a networking problem. They have a clarity and courage problem. Here’s how my clients build high-powered networks—without begging for coffee chats or feeling fake. 🧠 Start here: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱. Here’s how: 𝟭. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗮 Stop “putting yourself out there.” Start targeting 5-10 people who can actually move the needle on your goals. 𝟮. 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 If your first message includes “pick your brain,” you’ve already lost. No one is waiting around to solve a stranger’s career crisis. 𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿 Relationships work like capital accounts. You don’t ask for a withdrawal before you’ve made a deposit. 𝟰. 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁—𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 This doesn’t mean fake flattery. Try one of these instead: • Share something relevant to their work • Offer insight they might not have • Help them solve a current challenge • Send something worth 90 seconds of attention 𝟱. 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 Read every line of their LinkedIn. Look at interviews, thought leadership, old roles. Find the patterns. Spot the gaps. Now you’re ready to make contact. 𝟲. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 Write down 10 ways you could help or engage them. Yes, 10. Not 3. Not 5. Ten. This builds muscle. Clarity. Relevance. 𝟳. 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 Don’t wing it. Rank your ideas by effort vs. potential impact. Start with your top 2. Work the plan. Keep working it. 𝟴. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 (𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼) Reach out with precision. No long intros. No life stories. Offer one clear, relevant point of value. If they don’t bite, try idea #2. Then #3. Most connections take more than one try. That’s not rejection—it’s normal. This is how the game is played at the top. Strategic. Consistent. Relationship-first. And it works. 🧭 Question for you: What’s the biggest blocker between you and building the network you need next? -------------------------------------- ♻ Repost to help your network. ✚ Follow Courtney Intersimone for more tools and tips on executive career and leadership mastery. Showing you how to get invited into the (board)room where it happens....and thrive there! 😎

Looking for collaborators as a researcher? Here are some principles and steps to follow. Principles: 1⃣ Ditch the "Don't talk to strangers" mentality 2⃣ Build your network before you need it – it's a long game 3⃣ Be proactive - schedule it into your calendar 4⃣ Give, give, give 🔸Step 1: Start with your Power Base Start by re-engaging with your connections from college, med school, or your residency/fellowship program. Reconnect with a simple text or email. Ask how they're doing and share your updates. Start with the oldest contacts and work your way up. 🔸Step 2: Social Media/Email 🌐 Academics are often on Twitter & LinkedIn. Follow people in your field, engage with their posts - like, comment, reshare. Remember, interacting actively makes you visible and initiates discussions. Don't just follow - engage! 🔸Step 3: Research 🕵️ Before reaching out, conduct a bit of research. Visit their Google Scholar page or PubMed. Understand their research interests and recent publications. Highlight any commonalities between their work and yours. It demonstrates that you're resourceful, detail-oriented, and have a genuine interest in their work. 🔸Step 4: The Ask 🗣️ Have good manners. Remember, experts don't owe you anything. If they don't respond, they're likely just busy. Don't follow up with "???", that's just rude. When asking: 1️⃣ Establish commonality 2️⃣ Ask for one specific thing. 3️⃣ Don't ask questions that a Google search can answer. 4️⃣ Give them an out to say 'No'. 5️⃣ Thank them regardless of 'yes' or 'no'. Don't block them or talk bad about them. 6️⃣ Give public credit 🔸Step 5: Collaborative Partnership 🤝 After successfully initiating a collaboration, make sure to add value. Always submit your work on time, take initiative, and demonstrate commitment. Don't wait around for instructions Or rely on: “tell me what to do” - that is like giving them homework Instead, say: "I can do X, Y, Z. I can help with that." This shows your eagerness to contribute and eases the burden on the collaborator. Always remember to give credit and appreciate their support in public forums.

6 Unconventional Networking Approaches That Work For Introverts: Context: You Don't Need Events To Network Most people think the best way to network is by attending industry events. But the truth is, that's just one way to do it. And if you're an introvert? It's probably not even the best way to do it. Here are 6 ways you can network efficiently and land solid referrals, even if you are an introvert: 1. The Value-First Connection Request Most messages ask for help without giving value. Research what matters to them and lead with something useful. Use this template: “Hi [Name], I saw your post on [topic] and shared it with my team. The insight on [specific point] was spot on. Would love to connect and learn more about your work in [industry].” 2. Article Response Strategy Generic “Great post” comments go nowhere. Reference specific insights from their article and ask a thoughtful question. Here's how: “Your point about [X] reminded me of research on [Y]. How do you think this could affect [Z]?” 3. The Common Ground Approach Common ground outside work can spark better conversations. Leverage shared interests to build connections smoothly. Here's how: “I noticed we both enjoy [interest]. I recently [related experience]. Do you have anything similar coming up?” 4. The “Specific Question” Method Broad “pick your brain” requests get ignored. Ask one narrow, researched question. Here's a template: “I admired how you handled [challenge] in [project]. I’m facing something similar with [Y]. What’s one tactic that made the biggest difference?” 5. The Collaboration Invitation Co-creating content builds relationships without cold networking. Feature your connections' POV in content you are working on. You can do this by: – Asking them to share a quote – Inviting them to your podcast – Co-collaborating with an article Use this template: “I’m working on [content] and would love your perspective. Would you be open to [invite]?” 6. Strategic Group Engagement If someone from your target outreach is asking a question on a specific platform? Instead of replying in the comment section, DM them with the solution. Use this template: “Hi [Name], I saw your question on [platform] about [topic]. I’ve dealt with this before and found [brief tip] helpful. Happy to share more if useful!” 🧭 Karina avoided events and still landed 2 “dream job” offers in 70 days with our tailored outreach strategy. Want to build a similar plan? Grab a free 30 min call and we'll map it with you: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r