@Cynthia Wright, I would second @Stephen Lee comment. Also, adding value sounds like such a mystical thing but really it can be accomplished in the most easiest ways so here's a list of things that you can do to add value:
- If you find something that looks like a really good deal, send it to an investor you're looking to connect with. They will appreciate it and you'll gain a bunch of kudos points in developing a relationship with that investor (keep in mind that it can be a double edged sword because if it is not a somewhat good deal and you sent that investor a timewaster, then they may not want to keep listening to what you got to say).
-If you have a unique skill (IE: Photography, webdesign, marketing, graphic design) then see how you can use those skills to help that investor out. For example, if you see that the investors website looks like it should be in the Smithsonian and you know how to design websites, sending him a quick sketch or preview of a better website will instantly get you a ton of points.
-If you know someone that can help or assist that investor, putting them in touch adds a ton of value. Say for example that you notice that the particular investor you want to talk to is doing a rehab and you happen to know a really affordable and excellent flooring guy, sending him a quick message saying "hey, saw you are doing a rehab and I think you might find this guy helpful" will 100% put you on his/her radar.
these are all examples and there are a gazillion ways more of adding value or helping out but just know that it's all about creating a relationship with that person. You wouldn't ask a total stranger to marry you (unless that's your thing), it's the same way with networking and mentors. You want to get to know them and them to know you and eventually the mentorship aspects grows.
