OK, so you want to be successful. That’s good.
And you’d like to be successful as soon as possible. Nothing wrong with that.
Here’s the problem: It’s hard to be successful when there are good people and bad people lying to you at the same time. And that’s happening to you right now.
Let me explain…
Overnight Success
The idea of “overnight success” is everywhere.
It doesn’t matter where you look — fitness, finance, romance, etc. — you will find products, services, and people claiming that you can get what you want faster, cheaper, and easier than ever before.
Deep down, most of us know that these are just advertising messages meant to hit our hot buttons … but we really do want to lose 10 pounds or make a million dollars or find the love of our life, and so we buy into the empty promises, marketing, and hype.
Here’s the truth…
Rapid success is possible, but it has nothing to do with the newest step–by–step system or secret strategy.
But here’s the really surprising part. Many experts will tell you that overnight success is all about how hard you work and how passionate you are about what you do. The basic theme is that if you care enough and work hard enough, then success will come your way.
And while it is true that smarts and effort will help you, finding rapid success comes down to one thing:
Connecting with influencers in your industry.
In other words, make friends. That’s it.
Here’s why it works
Connecting with influencers in your industry is so much easier than becoming an influencer in your industry.
It takes a long time and a lot of work to build up authority and trust.
And yet, when you do connect with influencers in your industry, you automatically become a part of that inner circle and thus you are now an authority figure as well.
Not to mention that people who have already been successful in your industry are the perfect people to show you how to mimic their success. They can tell you what steps to take and in what order. They can tell you how to get started and who to contact. And perhaps most importantly, they can keep you consistent and help you overcome the barriers that inevitably arise.
People who have walked through the fire can help you do the same.
This principle works so well, that you can actually build an entire business on it. In fact, that’s why I created The Remora Method. Forming mutually beneficial relationships with influencers is the core principle that The Remora Method is based upon and you can use that basic idea to boost your income very quickly.
Be bold
At this point, you might be saying, “That’s great, but how am I going to reach out to these A–listers? They won’t even return my emails.”
If you want to keep it really simple, then it all comes down to this: just ask.
Be bold. If you never ask for what you want, the answer is always no.
[Click here to tweet this quote]
On a related note: do not confuse asking with demanding.
Make sure you respect the time and effort that other influencers have put in to get where they are. You’re not looking to take advantage of them, you’re looking to help them and connect with them.
Here’s how to do it
The best way to connect with interesting people is in person. Lunch dates and coffee meetings work fine, but I have found better success by meeting up at an event.
For example, go to a book signing for a popular author in your industry. Talk to the other great people that are there. I did this recently and I met 4 new people who are all key influencers in my industry.
Conferences are another excellent option for meeting people who can help you. Bonus: conferences are also a great way to travel for free.
Use this email script
Many times, meeting someone new in person isn’t an option. This is when connecting via email is a good bet.
My typical approach is to set up a Skype or phone conversation with someone new. That’s it. Nothing fancy. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.
Here’s an example of a typical email template that I use to set up a Skype chat with someone new. I have used this exact email successfully dozens of times. Feel free to use this template for yourself.
Hi [name],
I came across your work on [wherever you found them] and I thought it would be nice to drop you a line.
I really like [something they have done] and [how it matches up with you and your goals].
I [explain what you do] and I’m taking some time to get to know everyone in our industry.
If you’re up for it, I’d love to chat more sometime.
Thanks,
James
Here is a real email that I sent out, just so you can see what it looks like when you put it all together…
Hey Dan,
I came across your work on Twitter (we run in the same circles) and I thought it would be nice to drop you a line.
I really like the writing you have done on breaking through barriers and your thoughts align well with my goal of teaching people to build successful businesses and earn more money.
I write over on PassivePanda.com and I’m taking some time to get to know everyone in our industry.
If you’re up for it, I’d love to chat more sometime.
Thanks,
James
If they respond, then you have the green light to ask them to set up a Skype chat or phone call to talk more.
Here’s an example of what I would say in a follow up email…
Awesome. Thanks for the quick reply, Dan.
I’m free to chat on Skype or by phone — whatever works best for you.
What’s your schedule look like for next week? Anytime on Monday, 5/23 or Tuesday 5/24 look good for me. I’m on EST.
When it comes time to talk to them, simply do the following…
- Always ask about them first. Ask what they are up to, how they became successful, and what their story is. Let them do most of the talking.
- If you can help them in any way, do so. At the end of each call, I tell them, “Hey, if there is every any way I can help you out, just let me know.”
- Don’t ask for anything on the first call. Just get to know them.
That’s it! You now have a new contact that you can reach out to when needed. Repeat as desired.
Advanced Techniques
I try to do this once per week. If at any point during this article you thought, “I don’t have a strong network” … then just follow this strategy and you’ll know 50+ people by the end of the year.
No excuses. Just do it and you’ll have a strong network soon.
If you would like some advanced techniques for discovering and connecting with important contacts via email, then check out the entire course I created on emailing important people.
What You Should Do Now
If you have any frustrations, concerns, or questions about reaching out to new people, then leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help.
I don’t have all the answers, but if everyone contributes to the comments, then we should be able to help each other achieve success.
As always, I’m really excited to hear from you. Your thoughts are always welcome here and having your input is what makes this site so valuable to so many people.
Leave a comment below.
Great blog post and great advice. Nice scripts as well. Keeping it simple is always best. To connect with high rollers, I have always found that helping them FIRST is key. Send them some followers on Twitter, buy their products and then promote them on your blog or Twitter (for free or as an affiliate, but of course doing it for free will have more weight), do a video about their product or work on YouTube, send them something that will HELP THEM, etc. That has always worked well for me. It activates what Cialdini in his book, “Influence”, calls the “Rule of Reciprocation.” When you do something nice for a person and add value to their lives with no expectation of receiving anything in return, that person feels compelled to give back to you. It’s hard coded in our DNA. Give it a shot.
Good points, Ian. Thanks for sharing.
On a related note, I find that when you truly do what is best for others is when these things work out best. Maybe I’ll write an article on that soon.
What’s really important to recognize about this advice is that most people will dismiss it.
That means, if you’re one of the few people who actively integrate it, there’s a good chance it will work for you.
This is a tremendously important revelation, because it shows how a model that couldn’t possibly work for everyone can actually work—because not everyone does it.
Got it?
This is a really good point and totally true. The simple fact that most people will think that this isn’t worth their time is the very reason that it works so well.
Also, this reminds me of some advice that I heard from Tim Ferriss: Most people settle for extremely average goals. This is why, if you go for something really big or try to connect with someone important, you’ll often have more success because there is less competition since everyone is going for the “reasonable” goals.
It’s not exactly the same thing, but the principle holds true: you can enjoy a lot of success by doing the things that most people make excuses to avoid.
Great post as always! As much as I love the post, I love reading comments and the way others understood it. Anyway – Commenting on this one because I love you comment:
you can enjoy a lot of success by doing the things that most people make excuses to avoid.
So True!
Great point Robby. One of the reasons my business is growing is because I combine an online business with offline techniques – reaching out and talking to people either face to face, on the phone or via skype. Doing this has connected me with lots of interesting and influential people.
The email template that James has suggested can be used successfully with new connections on sites like Linkedin. I never leave the standard ‘Id like to add you to my professional network’ script when I ask to be befriended – I always add a personal note about who I am and why we should connect.
It works! It opens a conversation with that person.
But as you note, many people will also disregard this advice….!!
Very informative blog! My largest obstacle is probably the most common, which is figuring out what type of business I want to start! I know it will have to be done in an unconventional way but I also know once I figure out what I want to do I will hit the ground running. I am glad I found passive panda I truly feel the information is paving the road for me once I find that vehicle. Thanks!
Thanks Quentin!
On a related note: I just heard a great line from Marie Forleo today: those that succeed are the ones who start before they are ready.
Something to consider when it comes to running your business. You don’t need to have all the answers or get it all figured out. Sometimes you just need to start … even if it’s not perfect.
Great post James. Do you know when you’ll open the Remora Method again? I really wanted to enter the first time it was open but I missed the deadline.
Thanks Morgan.
Stay tuned. Round two of The Remora Method will probably open up in a few weeks. As long as you’re on the priority notification list (you can sign up on this page: http://passivepanda.com/introducing-remora-method) … you’ll be the first to know when the doors open.
Excellent advice and very handy email scripts. I think a lot of people are embarassed because they don’t really know what to say to people who they admire or wish to emulate. I haven’t reached out to people like this very often, but when I have, it has almost always gotten good results. On one occasion, life-changing.
I think something of my genuine interest and my desire to learn came through – sincerity can make an important difference, but putting yourself on the line (which is what it can feel like) is not an easy thing.
I must do it more!
That’s exactly right Chris. The biggest obstacle in this is usually getting over yourself.
Once you do that, you realize that 99% of people are completely open to meeting new people.
James
I am a contractor and do many different services for resdents in Ottawa.
I really love your informative site, but i am not too sure what i could be doing wrong as i advertise on kijiji and various different sites online. I talk to many different people, and yet, i am not getting work. I am really questioning wether i need to just stop and find a regular job. I am so frustrated and broke.
Any ideas how to get people to know what i do without breaking the bank?
Hi Bryan,
First, thanks for stopping by the site. It’s great to have you as a part of the Passive Panda community.
Second, check out the articles listed on the Networking 101 page. You may find them useful: http://passivepanda.com/networking
Hope that helps!
James
Hey Bryan and James,
I was a contractor in Edm. who started my own one-man company doing finishing carpentry and custom furniture a few years back. Bryan, I totally hear you! In short, I did pretty much everything on James’ list for Self-Promoting Without Being Sleazy, and I could not find success. I eventually decided to go back to work…Temporarily…until I re-grouped and re-focused. Not all ideas and businesses work out the first try. One of my fav sayings “It takes a little time to turn the Titanic around”. Feel free to contact me if you like.
Clint.
ClintMoar.com
Some very useful email examples James. Personally I find time is well spent reaching out to carefully selected contacts online – LinkedIn and Twitter both work well for me. And you can develop those connections and deepen the relationship face to face when the time is right. Equally connecting online is a good way of keeping in touch once you have met someone at an live event – the two complement each other. I agree that simply helping others with no other sgenda in mind works on all levels – and the returns to you are not always linear … they can come from surprising directions.
Great points, Jane.
And my experience has been similar. Twitter and LinkedIn can work very well. In fact, the email scripts I mentioned in this article work just as well for LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
Communication is communication regardless of the medium.
Thanks for commenting!
Hey James!
Thanks for the article. This is exactly the kind of info I need because I’m just getting started in actually trying to make my passion pay! Looking forward to your next article!
Thanks again! Be well, Ron.
Hi Ron! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
Looking forward to seeing more of you in the comments on future articles.
Hands down the best article you have written James. This one is loud and clear. Now I have read this, I actually see that networking is not such a mystery to me. By far, networking is my greatest weakness, but this article has put into perspective that networking to success can be learned.
Hi Darren!
First, thanks for commenting. It’s great to have you as part of the Passive Panda community. Please feel free to share your thoughts any time.
And you’re right — networking really isn’t a mystery. It just comes down to being friendly and reaching out on a consistent basis. I’m glad you found this article useful.
It takes a lot of work to get to where you want to get in life. Great post like always.
Thanks Donald. It does take a lot of work, but I like to think that it’s worth it. Especially if that work helps others. In my mind, your time is best spent serving others.
This article is the answer that I was looking! I wanted to expand my network to reach further with the plans that I have for the business. You give a point in this article and as Robby Slaughter mentions, not everyone does it. I have been freelancing for 8 months here in Mexico and is going well but as the “new guy in town” not a lot of people know me. This will help me reach more to the high profiles which are not hard to find here but are hard to network with if you do not know how. Thanks for the information and keep us posted. Also by taking your advise I say, if you need anything I am here to help.
Thanks Paul!
Good luck reaching out and please stop back here and let us know how it goes. I’m glad Passive Panda is useful for you.
I’m looking forward to hearing more from you in the comments on future articles!
GREAT post! You are right – it is SO important to connect with top players in your industry and connect with them. But DON’T connect with them just because you think it will be good for business – form a genuine friendship with them and get to know them outside of their business. That is the way to make sure they are on your side when you do want their help with something to do with business.
Thomas
Very true, Thomas.
One nice benefit of reaching out to top people is that many of them are totally awesome! Being interesting and fun goes hand-in-hand with being successful, and this makes it much easier to simply be friends with many of these people. They are great to hang out with even if you never do a single business deal with any of them!
Great tips James. I think the key to doing this successfully is to be prepared and know what you are talking about and offer help if possible, say, help them spread the words about their work to your network. The size of your network at this point is not really important. It’s the attitude that helps you get the attention.
Great points, Joy. Attitude is everything.
And you bring up an important distinction: people love meeting someone who genuinely wants to help. If you can be that person, then you’re right, the size of your network really doesn’t matter.
Does the anxiety/intimidation/fear of rejection subside with practice? Do you have any tips to get over the initial fear?
Yes, it absolutely does.
Here’s why: you start to realize that there is nothing to fear. It seems scary when you haven’t done it, but I guarantee you that pretty much nothing bad can happen.
Try this: walk down the street and introduce yourself to the first 5 people you meet. Tell them that you are doing an experiment where you have to say hello to 5 new people per day and ask them how they are doing. Just ask how their day is going. You’ll quickly find out that most people are very friendly. Some of them may even have a longer conversation with you.
Before that exercise, talking to strangers might seem like a big deal, but after you do it 5 times the adrenaline rush that you get from it will be great. This is an awesome exercise for anyone to do, not just introverts. There is nothing to fear! People love talking to each other. We are the most social creatures on earth.
Good luck Stephen!
Hi James,
Great post! I agree with you about giving first. I learned about this through Zig Ziglar and his oven example – you have to put somethig into the stove first for it to work. Looks like you are practicing life’s greatest lesson – giving to others.
Good luck to you. Let me know if I can promote you on my website when it goes live June 5th.
Will
Thanks Will! Zig Ziglar is a legend. He has many better sayings than I do, so I’m glad you picked one of his quotes and not one of mine.
Solid advice James. I’ve been making new “friends” over the last year & it’s made a big difference in my business during that time. It’s as if leaving myself open to making “friends” with influencers has made me more aware of the opportunities around me.
And to think it all started off with a conversation with Bob Bly at a conference over a year ago! We’re not ‘friends’ by any stretch of the imagination, but by speaking with him, my eyes were opened, and it’s made me more open for my business as a whole.
So true. And that’s a fun story about Bob Bly! Definitely a master of his craft.
Thanks for sharing Julia. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments whenever you wish!
I like this, James. Thank you for sharing. I’m a regular PANDA reader. Why does one “no” derail some people for years, or life?
I believe there’s many people to connect with. My only question: Sometimes, I fret that I’m not finding the best e-mail addresses, that website or blog contacts never get seen by the person I intend. Your thoughts?
Tom! Great to hear from you. It’s always nice to see a familiar name in the comments. Your thoughts are always welcome here.
As for finding email addresses, I would say that most of the time the addresses you find on blog are legitimate. Whether people are good at cleaning out their inbox, well, that’s a different matter altogether.
Keep at it!
So you, me, coffee? Kidding. Great article and sound advice. I feel this might sound ridiculous, but I have made some connections through twitter. It seems like an open eviroment, that is great for talking to influencers. Do you see this as a viable option?
Thanks!
Well played, Keith.
And yes, Twitter works great for finding contacts. I haven’t used it as much in recent months, but last year I reached out to many people on Twitter. Being helpful and friendly works everywhere. It’s all about the message, not the medium.
Great article, thanks! Also, I like the exchange between you and Robby Slaughter.
Thanks Will! I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Feel free to share your thoughts on Passive Panda anytime.
James,
Hi this is Oski from Chile, I’m a Bottle Artisan at http://www.greenglass.cl and my business is going great. The problem I’m having is getting more glass bottles from the Bars, Pubs and Hotels. And, I really need to reach like the boss of the Club, bar or Hotel. I always write to the CEOs and Marketing Directors but many times I get no response, any advice?
Your work is Great!
Cheers,
Hi Oscar — thanks for commenting.
I’m not sure what you’re saying in your messages, so it’s hard to give specific advice.
That said, here’s a quick tip that may help: instead of giving all of the information up front (this is who I am, this is what I do, maybe we could work together, etc.) … you can give away just a little bit and ask for their permission to send them more information.
For example, let’s say that when you collect bottles from the bar owners it helps reduce waste for them. Instead of saying all of that right away, you could say “I have a simple way for you to reduce the waste at your pub and keep it more environmentally friendly. Would you be interested in hearing more?”
This not only makes them curious, but it also flips the tables. When they ask for more information you are much more likely to get a response than if you push a bunch of information on them.
Great example James. Oscar another way to make sure people respond to you is for you to be proactive and follow everyone up. Because nobody does it. If you do it it’ll make you stand out. Combine that with the template James just have you and I think you’ll like the results.
Let us know how you make out.
HI James, Thanks for the great article. As an MBA student, I’m looking to contact some middle level managers to find out about future job profiles/openings etc. How do I mail them without coming across as a self-serving MBA networker. Also, I have bought your email course and used it well.
Cheers,
Ravi
I’m glad you enjoyed the course Ravi!
If you’re looking to get in touch with people who could tell you about job openings, I think your best bet is to interview them. You can literally contact them and say that you want to interview them and that you’re looking to profile some people who have had success in their field. When it comes time to talk, just ask them how they become successful. Let them do most of the talking and have them tell their story.
By the time the conversation ends you’ll have a new contact that you can follow up with over the next few months. After making contact a few times, it’s perfectly acceptable to see what jobs are available.
Thanks James, I’m going to try this and let you know
Hi James,
Honest, practical, doable and smooth tips. Could not agree more with the networking idea. While Twitter works for many, I enjoy making contacts via LinkedIn groups and in person, when in a restaurant, seminar or any kind of social gathering. When meeting someone important to you face-to-face for the first time, always asking about them first and simply just listening, usually creates a positive first time impression, and you will be remembered easily (afterwards often searched for and recommended online).
Thanks for sharing James,
Dali
Thanks for sharing Dali! I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Feel free to share your comments anytime.
Hi James, really great article, thank you. I must share it
Yes! Please do.
Great advice. Have to read it again to let it all sink in but you obviously have a key here. Thanks.
You can certainly read it again, but also make sure to implement the advice. It will make more sense the more you practice it.
Awesome. I am from the Philippines and I am an avid reader of Passive Panda. Thanks for these tips. I’ve been looking for ways to connect with people that have impact to my industry. Again, thank you.
You’re welcome Carissa! I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Good luck!
James, combining this with your article on how to email important people is probably the best business advice anyone starting out could get. It’s all about relationships.
I’d add to it that maintaining your network is vital. Keep up with interesting news, funny stories, and just checking in so that you aren’t just reaching out when you need something. No one likes that.
I keep Google Alerts set up for the people important in my industry so I can congratulate them on good news or comment on what’s going on with them and their businesses via email or social media. It’s an easy way to stay in touch and show that you are knowledgable about your industry.
Great points, Betsy. And I like that Google Alert idea. I might have to use that myself. Thanks for sharing! Hope you’re doing well!
Hi. I think this is great article. But my problem is that I am not too shy, but I lost contact with people. I always hang out with same people, and talk a lot, but in new society I can’t say a word. So my proplem is what to talk about, what questions to ask? How to behave?
And I do not live in USA, I live in very small country.
Best regards.
Don’t make it harder than it needs to be. Everyone likes a person who is friendly, kind, and interested in what they are doing. Most people just want to feel like they are important. If you take a genuine interest in what someone else is doing and actually care about what other people are up to, then you’ll have no problem finding success.
Good luck! And thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Great advice James.
Your post always open me eyes.
Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Tamae! Please feel free to leave a comment anytime on Passive Panda. It’s great to have you as a part of the community.
Great post James! This is one area that I have not really focused on much, but I certainly see the value. I engage a lot on the social networks and I think it’s time to take it to the next level and network.
Is there any event in particular that you would recommend? I am in a similar niche, I just focus on helping people drive traffic through engagement.
Thanks again for the article James and have a great weekend!
Scott
Ah yes! Making friends – dreaded by introverts (like me) the world over :/
If you have any tips for actually meeting face-to-face/in-person networking, then I’d love to hear them!
Thanks, James – great stuff
Jess
Hi Jessica — the two suggestions in the article (going to book signings and conferences) have worked very well for me for meeting new people with similar interests.
You may also enjoy this list of 24 networking tips, which will give you an idea of how to act and what to do when you meet these people.
Hi James,
Great advice and I especially loved the templates you shared. It makes this advice come to life for me. I will work on implementing this strategy. Love your site! Keep them coming.
Thanks Boni! Be sure to let me know how the templates work out for you. I’d love to hear about your success!
James,
The Remora Method, What will I learn? Will I be able to start a freelance business on the side to improve my economic situation or change my life? I have dabbled in all sorts, even tried my hand at affiliate marketing – it’s just a waste of time and it dosen’t even work.
My latest venture on ebay has failed to sell anything which left me out of pocket. I have dead stock which I can’t get rid of at the minute.
Hi Mitesh,
The Remora Method is all about making it easier on yourself to build a reliable and profitable side income (up to $500/week … or more). It’s based on the idea that you can create mutually beneficial relationships with businesses and individuals that are already successful, and then they can send you paying customers.
If you want more information, then make sure that you sign up for the priority notification list at the bottom of this article: http://passivepanda.com/introducing-remora-method
Awesome article by the way:)
Hello James, your great article and peoples responses have me glued to the page again!
Really helpful, thank you. My approach to business is to help people first, now I can build on that with your fantastic advice.
The company I joined also has a brilliant plan that works to build their business and helps everyone involved! Im following on from their plan and learning how to reach more people being a great business to benefit so many.
Glad to hear that you’re enjoying the content Linda! I’ll do my best to keep the good stuff coming your way.
Thanks for commenting! Your thoughts are welcome here at any time.
Great post James, I love your coments and your site, is very helpful. I want to start freelancing now. Thank you.
Sounds good Marta! Thanks for commenting and be sure to stop back and let us know how the freelancing is going. I’m looking forward to hearing about your progress!
There sure are some great comments here and some great reflections. James, the advice is great. I didn’t get too far for a while (slowly getting there now), until I employed the essence of what you’ve said here.
Just talking with people, not at them can be the greatest reward. Sometimes, just by hearing their experiences and the history of how they came to be where they are can provide us with the most invaluable lesson we can learn.
People who’ve had real success are usually all to too happy to help others out and give them such information, because genuine people want to help and provide what they know so that they can see others succeed – so long as you’re polite and professional in seeking out their time.
Great template James. Thanks again.
Matt
“People who’ve had real success are usually all to too happy to help others out…”
That was the statement that really rang true for me in your comment. Great thoughts and thanks for sharing, Matt.
On a related note: it’s not a coincidence that successful people are willing to help others.
Great blog James, I love Passive Panda and read all your articles on a regular basis. I particularly like this one. Can I be a bit negative though? (Sorry everyone, as you all know, there’s always one!)
I’ve been freelancing for about a year now, plenty of ups, plenty of downs but quite recently I have been doing the things you mention in this article. I have been nice, I’ve gone the extra mile, I’ve connected with more people, I’ve networked, I’ve helped out and generally I’ve been getting a great response but how far do you go with all the “free work”?
These days it seems like that’s all I’m doing and I’m getting very little out of it. Am I being too nice? When do I draw the line?
Keep up the motivational articles, I need them!
Nikki — great question! This is a really important distinction that I should have made in the article. I’m glad you brought it up.
Let me be very clear: connecting with influencers and networking with successful people does not mean giving your services away for free. In other words: Yes, you are being too nice.
When you reach out to someone new, make the focus about them and — especially if it’s someone that is successful in your field — see what steps they have taken to reach their level. The things you will learn should point you in the direction of earning more money, not doing work for free.
When it comes to “drawing the line” on your end, go ahead and build in a limit for yourself. It can be whatever you’re comfortable with, but let’s say that after 15 minutes of “free consulting” you say, “I’d love to help you out more and if you’re interested in that, then you can go ahead and order ____ package of my services.” Or something similar. Whatever phrase works for you.
This approach may intimidate you at first, but you don’t need to be mean about or it anything. Just be honest and up front. Most people totally realize that you can’t work for free and they are happy to pay you as long as you draw the line.
Hope that helps!
That’s a great idea, thanks James, sound advice as always!
Hi James,
This article was so informative and seems to me to be a moment of synchronicity. I was just thinking about what I could do to get that insight I need and just randomly opened my pulse app and saw your article. I am facinated by technology and self help and would like to be a freelance writer. Could you give me tips on how I can bring this goal to fruition?
Reading this article I get mesmerized of the avalanche of possibilities that we have within the reach of our hands and how so many times we do not use them or they do not even occur to ourselves.
Remarkable.
Great advice. I am getting certified as a Nutrition Consultant and would like to connect with like minded people. How do you keep them from feeling like you are competition? Even if they aren’t in your immediate area some do consultations via the internet and feel you are a threat.
Great article.
Making connections is a key point in the evolution of a business that so many people miss out on. Not only is it important for promotion but also for the learning part of running a business.
Reaching out to other people in your space or in similar markets can be an awesome way to learn and more often than not, you may have something you can teach them too.
When it comes to connecting to people, I guess my advantage has been being oblivious to someone’s fame or status.
I have reached out to several A-listers on more than one occasion and not given it a second thought because to me, they are just people. I guess the point is not to treat them like deities. Just be honest, concise, and not pushy and that will work wonders when it comes to connecting with big timers.
One last thing I like to do is thank the person in a unique way. For example, I reached out to a big blogger who’s name I’ll leave out. He answered a question for an article I was writing so to thank him, I asked him what his favorite post workout recovery drink was. I knew he was an exercise enthusiast like me so I figured he had some kind of shake he liked to drink afterwards. He surprised me by saying “water.” Good enough. So, I went to the store and bought a good bottle of water and mailed it to him to say thanks.
Weird? Maybe. Memorable? Absolutely. Being memorable is more valuable than you can imagine.
What’s your poison, James?
Thanks again for the article.
Love this. Thanks so much. Very simple to do, and especially with the specific examples. Now I have tons of people to reach out to.
If you are sincere, honest, and appreciate the person’s expertise/accomplishments, you will be successful in making connections. The email examples are a good guide but your message needs to be personalized to “touch” that individual in a sincere, honest way. Great Blog, it works, done it a countless times and have added some great connections/friends to my network.
@James, great post and excellent advice. @Ravi I would also (in addition to Jame`s advice of interviewing people) is to start a blog and interview those people and post it. I`m sure there`s a large target audience and readership with the exact same questions you have.
A great business idea for you! MBA-to-Careers.com.
-Howard
Dear James,
Thank you very much for serving a delicious piping hot dish. As you rightly said its now my responsibility to take the move forward.
May I ask you a couple of questions with your permission?
1. I am currently working with a corporate in India as a training manager. I look forward to become a full time training consultant and blogger. Is it a good idea to leave the job and embark on the journey or build a network and then leave the job?
2. Could you please go through my website http://www.inspiringcitizen.com and give me your feedback, if you can find a few minuted of your precious time.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Finally I believe your second name “Clear” is an ideal fit for you because you make things crystal clear and simple. That is your second biggest strength,I guess, first being your genuine intent to help people.
Luv
Rafi
Great Article! I am thankful for coming across Passive Panda. I am going to use it and see how it turns out! Thanks again!