How to actively build relationship with partners who you do not directly work with?

Question

As I'm working at a boutique where there's only a handful of partners, I'd like to seek your advice on how to build relationships with partners?

Indeed, it is important to conduct ‘’upward management'' with partners who you are directly working with on the same project. But how about partners who you've never worked closely? What is the best way to network / build a meaningful ongoing relationship with them? Would it be useful to schedule catch-ups or coffee chats with them once in a while?

Thanks for your perspectives!

Answer 1

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

There are a few key strategies that can help you build relationships with partners at your boutique consulting firm, whether you have worked closely with them before or not. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Schedule a catch-up or coffee chat: As you mentioned, scheduling catch-ups or coffee chats can be a great way to build relationships with partners. These informal meetings can provide an opportunity to get to know each other better, share ideas, and stay up to date on each other's work.
- Participate in firm-wide events: Attend firm-wide events and make an effort to engage with partners who you may not have worked with closely before. This can help you build connections and establish your presence within the firm.
- Offer your support: If you have a particular area of expertise or skill, consider offering your support on something related to the partner. This can help you build relationships and demonstrate your value to the firm.
- Get involved in the firm's culture and community: Participating in firm-wide activities and getting involved in the firm's culture and community can also be a great way to build relationships with partners. By demonstrating your commitment to the firm and its values, you can establish yourself as a valuable member of the team.
Overall, building relationships with partners requires effort and commitment, but it can be an extremely rewarding experience. By being proactive and engaging with partners in various ways, you can build meaningful ongoing relationships that can help you succeed at your boutique consulting firm.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hi there,

There's a similar question here you might want to read about.

That aside, first of all, don't assume you actually need to build relations with all the Partners in the office. Most of these relations develop naturally through time just as a consequence of your being in the office and doing projects together.

If you force it, it might seem unnatural and disingenuous. That's why I personally would recommend against setting up random coffee dates with Partners unless you actually have a topic that is relevant to discuss with them e.g., they faced a similar problem as you in their career and you want to ask for advice.

What you can do instead of just waiting to see how things play out is to:

Be proactive in the office and take initiative. This can even mean something as small as setting up a running club for the office. Show that you care about the office and can build something and this will create more visibility for you. It might also turn out that you have common interests with some of these partners.
Join events. Do join the events organised by the office and don't talk always within your comfortable bubble of people. Reach out to the others that you know less and be curious about their experience and interests.

I wrote an article on PrepLounge HERE about how to be effective as a starting consultant. Perhaps it can help you.

Best,

Cristian

Answer 3

Hello,

1- Your direct leadership are the best advocate for you. You might not see it directly but leadership & Partners will spend a lot of time together discussing project, performances, potential. Making sure people you are working directly with trust you and vouch for you are the best way to cultivate a strong perception from the Partner team and have them remember you.

2- Extra-activities. Partners are always engaged in other activities at the company outside of your direct project. Showing interest (asking them directly to talk about it, coffee chats, etc) and getting involved (Biz-Dev, volunteering, …) will help getting face time and building a relationship with the Partner outside of your direct project hierarchy & fast paced / pressured environment.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Hi there,

Your best bet is to perform the job well on the projects you're on. Build a reputation.

Your second best bet is to become affiliated with groups/clubs and attend events….allowing for natural discussions

Your third best bet is “water cooler” chat i.e. when you're both making coffee etc.

If you want to cold email partners, you can go for it. But there are right ways and wrong ways to do this so just be smart (and genuine) about it!

Answer 5

Hello!

My advice would be: master your workstream. Be the master and go-to person for any question regarding it. This will give you direct exposure in a great set up, in which you are knowledgeable and can impress them.

Even if you aren't working with them directly, there will be opportunities in which they will reach out/you will be together regarding the topic you bacame an expert in

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 6

You could ask them directly about their projects and work it you are interested in working with them. Showing genuine interest and getting then talking will help you.

As others have said, being the point person for a certain skill or capability is important and will encourage partner to come to you.