What do you do if industry influencers in digital learning are ignoring your outreach efforts?
Reaching out to influential figures in the digital learning space can be a critical step in expanding your network and growing your own influence. However, it can be disheartening when your attempts to connect go unnoticed. Whether you're an educator, content creator, or entrepreneur in the e-learning domain, understanding how to effectively engage with industry leaders can make all the difference in your professional journey. If you find yourself struggling to get the attention of these key individuals, don't lose hope. There are strategic approaches you can take to improve your outreach efforts and increase the chances of building valuable professional relationships.
If industry influencers are not responding, it's time to reassess and refine your pitch. Your initial message should be concise, personalized, and clearly demonstrate the value you bring to the table. Avoid generic introductions; instead, mention specific work by the influencer that resonated with you. Explain how a partnership or connection could be mutually beneficial without making demands or assumptions about their interest. Remember, your goal is to start a conversation, not close a deal in the first message.
Timing can be a crucial factor in outreach. Consider when you're sending your messages—busy periods like holidays or industry events may not be ideal. Also, be mindful of time zones. If possible, try to find out when the influencer is most active online and schedule your messages accordingly. Sometimes, it's just about catching them at the right moment when they're more likely to engage with their inbox or social media notifications.
Don't limit your outreach to just one platform. Influencers may prefer different channels for professional communication. While email is formal, platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter might offer more casual interaction opportunities. Engage with their content by commenting thoughtfully on their posts or sharing their work with your network. This can increase your visibility and demonstrate genuine interest in their expertise.
It's essential to focus on what you can offer rather than what you can gain. Perhaps you have unique insights, resources, or connections that could be of interest to the influencer. Offering to collaborate on a project or inviting them to participate in an event you're hosting can provide a tangible opportunity for engagement. Make sure that any offer of value is relevant to their work and interests.
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Wendy Caffey
Assessment Coordinator | Data Diver | Tech Savvy Educator
Posing queries to acquire information is crucial, however it is equally important to share knowledge with others. Cultivating relationships, even within a virtual environment, holds significance. Maintain a positive attitude, be open to participating in collaborative efforts, and taking the initiative to connect on a personal level from time to time.
Persistence is key, but there's a fine line between being persistent and being pushy. If you haven't received a response, it's acceptable to follow up once or twice. Space out your follow-ups and add new information or a different angle to your proposal to keep it fresh. However, if you still don't hear back after multiple attempts, it might be time to move on and focus your efforts elsewhere.
While targeting top influencers is attractive, don't overlook the power of connecting with emerging voices in digital learning. Building relationships with up-and-coming professionals can provide a strong foundation for your network. These individuals might also have more bandwidth to respond and engage with you. As they grow their own influence, you'll already have established a connection that could lead to future collaborations.
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Kelly Cassaro
Global Learning Leader | Author | Women in AI Fellow 2024
I find this article very vague. It depends on how the outreach is happening and for what purpose in order to provide feedback on what needs to change. Generally, digital creators should have a clear brand and niche and continue creating content and getting their voice out there to get noticed. Just having influencers respond isn’t usually the end goal. Is your goal to showcase your portfolio for business? To get selected to speak at conferences? Determine your why and then plan your strategy accordingly.
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