I spoke to one of my clients today. He's a relative novice...operating at a $2500/month level.

He was at a marketing seminar and Frank Kern was in attendance. Apparently the 2 of them had some laughs and Frank invited him out for a drink with the rest of the guys.

My ex-client said thanks but no thanks. His rational was "what would I have talked to them about... they're making huge money and I'm just getting started".

:o

So tip #1 ... do NOT do what he did.

Regardless if it's Frank, another established IMer or any other "mover and shaker", don't pass up a chance to say hello.

As for tips of how to keep building that relationship... I can't help you too much other than to use the same social skills you'd use to create friendships in every day situations such as: be fun and friendly so others want to spend time with you, be honest and genuine, and be YOU.

Add them to your facebook friends and Twitter followers. Comment, as a friend, from time to time on whatever is interesting in their life. Toss them a useful resource link and a hello from time to time. Etc etc.

There's no magic to it... people will gravitate to you if you're genuine and fun. If you're anal, 100% shop-talk focused or have a me-me-me attitude (which I doubt!!) then you'll miss on a lot of opps... otherwise, they'll come to you.

That all being said... a logical and suggested step is to get out to events where you can meet these movers and shakers. So attend internet marketing seminars (let me take a quick second here to shamelessly plug my own Canada Marketing Summit happening Vancouver, BC May 13-17th 2010 ), join masterminds and network.