TALK WITH EXPERTS: WITNESSES, CONSULTANTS, KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AND CONSULTING THOUGHT LEADERS

Before you talk with experts, witnesses, consultants, keynote speakers, consulting SMEs, industry KOLs and thought leaders, preparation and approach are vital to maximizing the value of the interactions. Whether you’re seeking advice, collaboration, or insights, following certain talk with experts principles can help you build meaningful professional relationships and extract valuable knowledge.

For starters, do your homework thoroughly before any interaction. Research SME background, recent work, publications, and areas of expertise. That demonstrates respect for consulting advisors’ time and allows for more substantive talk with experts discussions. Follow content creators’ social media, read influencers’ articles, and understand advisory pros’ perspective on relevant industry topics.

When initiating contact, be clear and concise about your purpose. Business thinkers appreciate directness and professionalism. Explain why you’ve chosen to connect and talk with experts specifically and what unique value they can provide. But avoid lengthy emails or messages that demand excessive time to read and process.

During conversations, practice active listening. Rather than trying to demonstrate your own knowledge, focus on understanding talk with experts leaders’ insights. Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions that allow them to share their expertise freely. For example, instead of asking Do you think AI will impact healthcare? ask How do you see AI transforming healthcare delivery over the next decade?

Take notes during your talk with experts interactions, but stay engaged in the conversation. Capture top points, recommendations, and any resources that advisors mention. That shows you value advisors’ input and helps you retain important information for later reference.

Be mindful of time constraints too. Most talk with experts thought leaders have packed schedules. Keep meetings within agreed timeframes and be prepared with specific questions or topics you want to cover. If you need additional time, request it professionally rather than letting conversations run over.

Follow up meaningfully after your interactions. Share how you’ve implemented pros’ advice or reference how their insights have influenced your work. That builds lasting relationships and keeps doors open for future engagement. Consider sharing relevant articles or information that might interest talk with experts connections, making the relationship mutually beneficial.

And of course maintain professional boundaries. While many experts are happy to share knowledge, respect pros’ consulting boundaries and business models. If leaders offer paid services, don’t expect extensive free advice. Instead, explore formal engagement opportunities if you need more in-depth consultation.