When I started to connect with top influencers in online marketing, millionaire entrepreneurs, New York Times bestselling authors and renowned media personalities, my life and my business were transformed.

First, I changed my own beliefs about what was possible for me. I realized that if I followed the same steps those influencers had followed, I would have the opportunity to achieve and exceed my highest goals.

Second, because of my powerful connections, those around me started to perceive me as someone with the authority to guide them to achieve their own success. That created a significant positive impact in my business.

How did I gain those invaluable connections? I didn’t just get lucky or paid thousands of dollars for an introduction. Instead, I followed the set of simple strategies below, which you can use to build strong relationships with pretty much anyone, including influencers.

1. Become their advocate on social media

Most influencers and personalities directly access their social media pages. And believe it or not, they’re paying attention to who supports them, especially if those supporters pop up on a constant basis.

If you’re on Twitter, not only retweet their best content, but share it with your network along with an insightful comment. If you’re on LinkedIn, comment on their articles and share the articles with your network. If you’re on Facebook, set up notifications for when they post new content and be the first person to post a comment.

Keep in mind that your comments must add value to the social share, which means you will have to read the article or watch the video they created. “Great article” alone doesn’t cut it.

“Social media is not about the exploitation of technology but service to community.” – Simon Mainwaring

2. Send them a personalized invitation on LinkedIn

Once you have interacted on social media with your potential new connections, send them a personalized invitation to connect on LinkedIn.

In your message, you could mention the most recent social media interaction you had with them or something you loved about the most recent article they published. If you read their book, reference the chapter you found most useful.

Finally, explain why you believe it would be beneficial for both parties to connect. Remember that they might have the influence, but you also have valuable experience, insights, and knowledge to contribute.

3. Have them as guests on your podcast, blog, or summit

My online radio show has been one of my most powerful tools to connect with entrepreneurs, authors and media personalities. What if your ideal connections became your guests? What would that do to your relationship with them?

If you don’t have or intend to have a podcast, you might invite your potential connections to post one of their articles on your blog, or to be guest speakers in your online summit.

Keep in mind that influencers have gotten to where they are thanks to media exposure. If you have a media outlet for them to expand their reach, you will become an ally and trusted resource to them.

4. Recommend them on LinkedIn or post an Amazon review of their book

Most people, including influencers, will appreciate a written recommendation on LinkedIn. Be sure to craft your recommendation based on the value that the influencer has brought into your life or business. You might have been inspired by their book or one of their programs. Your audience might have loved the message they shared on your podcast, blog or summit. Add this information to the recommendation.

By recommending your new connection, you’re delivering value and strengthening the relationship. Another option to be valuable to the influencer is to post an honest review of their book on Amazon. What was most useful about the book? What made their book stand out? Once you post the review, be sure to email them to let them know about it.

“Showing that if a good face is a letter of recommendation, a good heart is a letter of credit.” – Lytton

5. Send them your ideas

Have you come up with new ways for an author to reach ten times more readers? Do you have a strategy an influencer could use to grow his or her business?

If your answer is yes, then share your ideas! Not only will you become an authority in the eyes of the person you want to connect with, but you’ll also become a trusted ally. You’ll be paving the path for a deeper connection with someone who will in time lead you to unprecedented success.

Regardless of what you choose to do to initiate and nurture your connection with an influencer, remember that your own belief in your ability to achieve what you desire is the most important ingredient to succeed.

Also remember that having more influence doesn’t mean to be superior or to have more value. You already have value to offer regardless of your level of influence. All you need to do now is create awareness of what you can do, and take action to realize your dearest goals.

What are some things you have done to connect with influential people? Please leave your thoughts below!