Build Authentic Relationships

Ariel Helwani shares his perspective on building authentic relationships and succeeding in media, particularly in interview-based content. He emphasizes the importance of genuine human connection, consistency, and developing a unique voice in the industry.

Key Points:

• Building a Unique Voice:

  • Don't be a copycat of others in the industry
  • Find an underserved lane (for him, it was MMA interviews)
  • Develop your own distinct approach

• Consistency and Professionalism:

  • Pick a specific day and never miss it
  • Be reliable and relentless
  • Maintain professional standards in all interactions
  • Keep initial interviews brief (20 minutes) to encourage future participation

• Authentic Relationship Building:

  • Connect with sources beyond just professional needs
  • Check in regularly without expecting anything in return
  • Show genuine interest in personal matters (family, pets, achievements)
  • Build real friendships, not just transactional relationships

• Content Distribution Strategy:

  • Strong social media presence is essential
  • Share clips consistently regardless of follower count
  • Make content easily shareable
  • Use short-form content to drive interest in long-form

• Long-Term Perspective:

  • Success takes time (took him 14 years to reach ESPN)
  • Patience is crucial - results won't come immediately
  • Keep working hard consistently even without immediate results

• Professional Evolution:

  • Even reaching career goals (like ESPN) might not feel as expected
  • Be prepared to adapt and evolve
  • Focus on checking off various professional experiences
  • Recognize when it's time to move on to new opportunities

The core message is that authentic relationship building, consistent hard work, and patience are key to building a successful career in media and content creation.