Let me share a game-changing realisation I had on my AI consulting journey: success in this field requires building bridges in two directions.

When I first started, I applied the Dream 100 method I learned from Russell Brunson (more on this shortly!) to the AI community. Primarily on Twitter/X. I connected with fellow AI enthusiasts, researchers, and innovators. The warmth and collaborative spirit I found was unexpected and invaluable. It’s a lovely group.

But here's the kicker: I soon realised that to truly succeed, I needed to apply the same method to my specific industry niche. 

As an AI consultant, you're not just part of the AI world; you're the crucial link between AI and your chosen industry.

This dual application of the Dream 100 method - one foot in the AI community and one in your industry niche - is what sets successful AI consultants apart. It's about being the person who can speak fluently about both the latest AI developments and the specific challenges of your industry.

Today, we're going to explore how to master this two-pronged networking strategy using the Dream 100 method. Let's dive in and learn how to become the bridge between AI and your industry.

Let’s get started

Dual-Direction Networking: Your Path to AI Consulting Success

The Dream 100 Method: Your Networking Superpower

I personally got the Dream 100 method from Russell Brunson’s Traffic Secrets. It’s a way to systematise your networking efforts.

The Dream 100 method is a strategic approach to networking that focuses on identifying and connecting with the 100 most influential people in your field. The goal is to access their audiences and leverage their influence to grow your own brand.

Here's the basic Dream 100 process

1. Identify: Create a list of 100 key influencers in your target area.

2. Follow: Start following their content across all platforms.

3. Engage: Consistently interact with their content in meaningful ways. Don’t spam them. Contribute.

4. Converse: Begin direct conversations through comments or messages. Don’t sell, don’t push. Just talk to them like, you know, a person!

5. Ask: Once a relationship is established, explore collaboration opportunities. Don’t rush this.

The key is to meet these influencers where they are. This could be Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or even in-person events. Go to them. Don’t expect them to come to you. At least not initially. The platform is less important than your consistent, value-adding presence.

There’s a tweak for you though as an AI expert though - we’ll need to adjust the basic method.

The Power of Dual-Direction Networking

As an AI consultant, your unique value lies in being the bridge between two worlds: the cutting-edge AI community and your specific industry niche. This requires applying the Dream 100 method in two directions:

1. AI Community Dream 50: This list focuses on AI researchers, innovators, and thought leaders who keep you at the forefront of AI developments.

2. Industry Niche Dream 50: This list targets leaders, decision-makers, and influencers in your specific industry who need AI expertise.

By mastering both, you position yourself as the go-to expert who can translate AI capabilities into real-world industry solutions.

In the AI world, for example, your Dream 50 might include

• Leading AI researchers

• AI creators and influencers

• Founders of innovative AI startups

• Organisers of major AI conferences

• Popular AI bloggers or vloggers

Your goal is to become a recognised part of the AI community, known for your unique industry perspective.

Your industry Dream 50 could include

• C-suite executives of major companies in your industry

• Editors of influential industry publications

• Hosts of popular industry podcasts

• Leaders of industry associations

• Renowned consultants in your field

Here, your aim is to be seen as the AI expert that industry leaders turn to for insights and solutions.

And remember the end goal here is audience. We want to build these links so we can access their audiences and leverage our own brand.

But that doesn’t mean this is a one-way exchange! Don’t make this mistake.

The Art of Value Exchange

What we're after is building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. Here's the harsh truth: I get 2-3 people a day asking me to promote their AI product. Don't be one of those people.

Approaching someone with your hand out immediately puts you in a subordinate position. You're essentially begging for attention. Instead, your goal should be to prove your worth and build a relationship as equals. Here's how:

1. Add Genuine Value: Don't just leave generic comments. Provide insightful feedback, share relevant experiences, or offer a unique perspective on their content.

2. Be Consistent: Show up regularly in their digital spaces. Be a familiar name they see adding value time and time again.

3. Demonstrate Expertise: Share your own content and insights. The goal is for them to start seeing you as a peer in the field.

4. Engage in Real Conversations: Move beyond surface-level interactions. Ask thoughtful questions, share relevant anecdotes, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

5. Be Patient: Building real relationships takes time. Don't rush to "ask" for anything.

When you do reach out for collaboration, frame it as a mutual benefit. For example

• "I've been loving your content on AI ethics. I'm writing a piece on its application in healthcare and would love to feature your perspective. Would you be interested in a quote swap for our respective newsletters?"

• "Your recent video on AI in supply chain management was fascinating. I have some unique insights from my work in the automotive industry. Would you be interested in a joint livestream where we could dive deeper into this topic?"

• "I noticed you often discuss AI startups. I'm connecting with some exciting founders in the AI for sustainability space. Would you be interested in some introductions for potential podcast guests?"

Remember, the goal is to give far more than you take. By consistently providing value and engaging as a peer, you'll naturally build relationships that lead to organic collaborations and mutual growth.

This approach takes more time and effort than simply asking for a shoutout. But the relationships you build will be far more valuable. You're not just looking for a quick promotion; you're becoming part of a community of peers who support and elevate each other.

Let's use an AI prompt to help you create a structured outreach plan for both the AI community and your industry niche:

You are an AI assistant specialising in networking and outreach strategies for AI consultants. Your task is to help the user create a Dual Dream 100 outreach plan, targeting BOTH the AI community and their specific industry niche. Follow these steps:

1. Ask the user to specify their industry niche and their area of focus within AI.

2. Create two separate Dream 50 lists:
   a. AI Community Dream 50
   b. Industry Niche Dream 50

3. For each list, create a template spreadsheet with columns:
   a. Name
   b. Category (e.g., researcher, executive, blogger)
   c. Main Platform/Channel
   d. Audience Size
   e. Relevant Topics
   f. Outreach Status (Followed, Engaged, Conversing, Asked)
   g. Notes

4. Provide a suggested breakdown of different categories to include in each Dream 50 list.

5. Suggest 5 specific engagement ideas for the AI Community list and 5 for the Industry Niche list, tailored to the user's focus.

6. Provide tips for balancing efforts between the two lists and leveraging connections in one list to build relationships in the other.

7. Suggest metrics to track the success of this dual networking strategy.

The goal is to create a structured, actionable plan for the user to build meaningful connections in both the AI community and their industry niche, positioning them as a valuable bridge between the two.

Use this prompt to generate your Dual Dream 100 strategy.

Importantly it’ll create a spreadsheet - get that into Notion, Google Sheet, print it off or do whatever you need to to make it accessible. Actually doing it is the main thing! You don’t need a fancy system. Just… start talking to people!

This approach will help you build a network that not only keeps you at the cutting edge of AI but also deeply connected to the real-world needs of your industry.

Your Dual Networking Challenge

Ready to put this into action?

Here's your challenge: for the next 90 days to work through your entire Dual Dream 100

1. Week 1: Use the prompt to create your Dual Dream 100 list (50 AI community, 50 industry niche).

2. Weeks 2-4: Follow all 100 people across their main platforms. Aim to follow about 5 people from each list every day.

3. Weeks 5-8: Engage meaningfully with at least 3 people from each list daily. By the end of week 8, you should have engaged with everyone on your lists at least once.

4. Weeks 9-12: Initiate deeper conversations with 2 people from each list every week. This could be through comments, DMs, or email, depending on the platform and person.

5. Week 13: Review your progress. Identify the 10 most promising connections from each list (20 total) for potential collaboration.

6. Throughout: Keep a log of your interactions, noting any particular interests, projects, or needs each person mentions.

7. By Day 90: Aim to have proposed mutually beneficial collaboration ideas to at least 5 people from each list (10 total).

Remember, as an AI consultant, your superpower is being the bridge between AI innovation and industry application. So make sure to balance your networking!

Phew! Lots covered. Over the last 5 Parts we’ve talked about

1. Finding your AI consulting niche

2. Communicating complex AI concepts effectively

3. Creating frameworks and IP

4. Building in public

5. Mastering dual-direction networking with the Dream 100 method

These elements combine to create your unique AI consulting brand. You're now positioned as the essential bridge between AI innovation and your industry's needs.

Remember, this is just the beginning. Keep refining your niche, improving your communication, developing your IP, sharing your journey, and expanding your network. The AI field is constantly evolving, and so should you.

Keep prompting.

Kyle