How can you get community leaders and influencers to join your network?

1 Identify your goals and values

Before you approach any community leader or influencer, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you stand for. What is your mission, vision, and value proposition? How do you align with the interests and needs of the community? How can you offer value to the leaders and influencers you want to connect with? Having a strong and consistent message will help you communicate your purpose and credibility.

2 Research and target the right people

Not all community leaders and influencers are the same. Some may have more authority, influence, or relevance than others. Some may be more open, responsive, or supportive than others. You need to do your homework and find out who are the key players in your niche, industry, or area. What are their backgrounds, roles, and goals? What are their challenges, pain points, and opportunities? What are their preferences, styles, and channels of communication? By knowing your audience, you can tailor your outreach strategy and pitch accordingly.

3 Build rapport and trust

Community leaders and influencers are busy people who receive many requests and offers from different sources. You need to stand out from the crowd and show them that you are genuine, respectful, and valuable. You can do this by building rapport and trust with them over time. Start by following them on social media, commenting on their posts, sharing their content, or attending their events. Then, reach out to them via email, phone, or in person, and introduce yourself and your organization. Be polite, concise, and relevant. Explain why you are interested in them and what you can offer them. Ask for their feedback, advice, or input. Don't be pushy or salesy. Show them that you care about them and their community.

4 Nurture and maintain the relationship

Getting community leaders and influencers to join your network is not a one-time deal. You need to nurture and maintain the relationship with them over time. You can do this by providing value, recognition, and support. You can send them updates, newsletters, invitations, or resources that are relevant to their interests and needs. You can thank them, acknowledge them, or feature them in your content or events. You can also ask them for referrals, testimonials, or endorsements that can help you grow your network and reach. Be consistent, responsive, and proactive. Show them that you appreciate them and their contribution.

5 Collaborate and co-create

One of the best ways to get community leaders and influencers to join your network is to collaborate and co-create with them. You can invite them to join your projects, programs, or campaigns that align with their goals and values. You can also propose joint ventures, partnerships, or sponsorships that can benefit both parties. You can also co-create content, products, or services that can showcase your expertise and impact. By collaborating and co-creating with them, you can leverage their authority, influence, and reach. You can also strengthen your bond and trust. You can also generate more value and results for your organization and your community.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?