I focus on adding value early, whether that’s a genuine compliment, a quick insight, or support for their work. I avoid asking for too much too soon and let the relationship build naturally through consistent, respectful follow-ups.

I would use social media to build genuine relationships first by engaging with a business’s content consistently. Then I’d send personalized messages that reference their brand specifically instead of a generic pitch. To build excitement, I’d also create and tag them in content that highlights their business or shows potential collaboration value. Over time, consistent support and visibility would build trust so they see the brand as a partner, not just a service.

A strong example is when I helped organize a fundraiser for HERTxSU. My main responsibility was just to support setup and basic coordination, but I noticed we were falling behind on vendor communication and day-of logistics, which could have impacted turnout and timing. I took initiative to create a simple run-of-show document, confirmed details with vendors ahead of time, and helped assign clear roles to volunteers so nothing was duplicated or missed. On the day of the event, I stayed hands-on with troubleshooting and guest flow, which helped everything run smoothly despite last-minute changes. In the end, the event raised more than expected and we received positive feedback on how organized and seamless it felt, which was above what my original role required.