The BOLD (Why Not Ask?)
There was a movie reviewer whose reviews I disliked. I disagreed with almost all of his conclusions and took issue with many of his opinions. Being young and foolish, I was vocal about my objections. This was foolish because it said more about me than it was ever going to say about him. It was also foolish because one of my friends knew him. I, of course, didn’t know this.
My friend insisted that I join him and the reviewer for dinner at a local restaurant. I was quite nervous, but I went. The evening went very well. He was gracious and asked me about my objections and we discussed them. It was a great conversation. It didn’t change most of my opinions except one—I was able to separate my opinion of the person from my opinion of the reviews.
It also taught me that you don’t know who you know who knows someone you would benefit from meeting.
You don’t know
Who you know
Who knows
Someone you would benefit from meeting.
Why not ask?
The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work. Marinate on that for a minute.
Robert T. Kiyosaki
The Whisper (It’s All In Who They Know)
There is someone that you would like to meet. It may be a hero, someone who has gone where you would like to go. It may be someone who has achieved great things but in an arena you aren’t considering entering—but still there is something to learn. Someone has conquered the challenge you are facing, created an opportunity similar to the one you would like to provoke and/or showed up for life in a way that you admire.
These are your aspirational contacts.
Aspirational contacts are the people that you would love to meet. They may be people that you sense that you need to meet. They exist two or more Kevin Bacon units away from your current level of acquaintance. Devising a path to reach that meeting is more possible than you think.
Make Your List.
Create a list of people that you would like to meet. Consider different categories.
There are people who would help your career, inspire your entrepreneurial journey, deliver important advice. List them.
There are people whose work inspires you because of the way that they approach their contributions. List them.
There are people who just seem like they would be amazing to meet. List them.
The most inspiring lists have a combination of personal and professional heroes, a variety of potential topics, and a span from easy to meet to impossible dream Rockstar level.
Review Your List.
See how many ways you can sort your aspirational contacts. Famous and not so famous.
Geographically proximate to you. Across the country—or the world.
The same language you speak. Not the same language.
Probably knows someone you know. Probably not.
Is known to frequent places or groups to which you have access. Not running anywhere near your circles.
Determine Your Question.
What burning question would you love to ask each of these people? Write a question or theme for discussion next to each one.
It is important to determine the purpose of your meeting. Yes, it is exciting to meet famous people you admire. However, think of all the encounters that that person endures that are devoid of real meaning.
The goal here is to invite them into a conversation, not to add another trophy to your hunting wall of celebrity snapshots. Consider how you could make the encounter different, engaging, and gratifying for them.
Do Your Research.
Look for written and video interviews with your A.C. (From here on out—Aspirational Contact = A.C.) Perhaps an adept interviewer has already asked your question. Look for articles or books written by the A.C. This research should bring you several insights.
Finding the answer to your first question may lead you to a second, more refined question on that topic. The research may open up your curiosity on new topics about that person. In addition, finding our what they like to talk about, to whom, and in what circumstances may give you some insights into the appropriate way to approach getting a conversation.
Open the Flood Gates.
Now that you can reasonably imagine and describe the reason that you would like to meet the person, you can begin to invite the invitation. Remember, someone you know knows them or at least knows someone who will get you one layer closer. Begin to share your list with the people you know. Write posts on social media if you would like. Keep them top of mind and you never know when an opportunity might arise.
Bonus:
There is a bonus step you might want to consider taking. Determine if you have a reason beyond your own desire to meet them.
I have a friend who invited a famous author to be a guest on my friend’s fledgling podcast. They had been speaking at the same event. Even though the author was the keynote and my friend was a breakout facilitator, there was enough sense of peer relationship in the moment to ask for the interview. You can listen to the result here (Adam Mutchler interviews Daniel Pink for The Founder’s Mind ). An article or book you are writing, a podcast you produce or any other opportunity for publicized conversation may be a stronger invitation.
Tell Me All About It
I would love to hear about your A.C.. I’d especially love to hear about A.C. meetings that exceeded your dreams or that lead to opportunity.
There are so many people worth meeting in the world and it is so easy, especially right now, to remain rooted in your little spot. Invite the world in for a better conversation and just see what happens.
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