Your Own Platform to Connect with Influencers - Sonia Thompson

Sonia Thompson, INC columnist and founder of Try Business School, shares how she built authentic connections with influencers through her podcast and virtual summits. Sonia Thompson's Journey Sonia had always dreamed of running her own advertising agency. After eight years in a healthcare company, she finally quit and started her own business. Now, she teaches the success principles used by large corporations to entrepreneurs at Try Business School. Your influencer marketing story Although attending conferences and joining masterminds are great ways to build your network, having your own platform is very powerful. Thanks to her podcast and virtual summits, Sonia has met more than 150 influencers. Her platforms serve as a starting point to build relationships, which she then nurtures. Lessons to run successful virtual summits Don't expect the speakers to do all the marketing for you. Some speakers might not promote your summit, and that's okay. Provide the best guest experience they could get. Know your objectives and prioritize them. Use your summit to create a new program or curriculum. Make your summits smaller (quality over quantity.) Add value to your audience instead of overwhelming them. Worst influencer marketing moment Sonia has had guests who were not interested in building a long-lasting relationship with her. Instead of feeling bad about it, she just let them go and focuses on those who are aligned with her values. One thing you're most excited about Sonia's new summit is Website Conversion School, where she interviews experts regarding website design, traffic and conversion. Resources and tools mentioned Try Business School FREE Mini Course: The Blueprint for Building a Thriving Business I Am The One: Entrepreneur Edition Podcast Book: Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant More about Sonia Thompson Sonia Thompson spent nine years as a marketer growing healthcare brands around the world. Now she is a consultant, author and founder of TRY Business School. Sonia is also a columnist at Inc. and writes about how the entrepreneur's mindset, company culture and diversity help businesses win more customers.