5 tips on how to meet someone you would really like to meet

The other day I gave a brief seminar about embedding networking skills into , together with my friend and colleague Danny Mekic’, at the Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, in front of approximately 100 first-year students. It was a great evening with a fantastic audience. Someone from the public asked me the question: “What if I really would like to meet someone but not have direct access to this person?” An interesting question, and I would like to share the answer with you.

First of all, there are roughly to types of people. People in your inner circle, and people in your outer circle. In this context, I define people in your inner circle as people you can physically approach, directly call or otherwise contact personally without significant effort (apart from finding the guts to do it). A local politician, that cute guy or funny girl who lives across the street, etc. To those we have direct access. This blog post is about how to meet outer circle folks -  people you usually cannot easily get in touch with; a national politician, your pop idol, a famous religious leader… you name it!

To illustrate my example, I hereby share with you that I would love to meet one of the world’s most successful and acknowledged motivational speakers, Mr Anthony Robbins. My suggestions are not a 100%-success method – I would be selling such method for astronomical amounts! – but it certainly increases your chances! So, here we go…

1. Tell everyone about it. You, or someone you told, might one day come across someone who replies: “I know that person, I can bring you in touch if you want!” Or you might come across someone who knows someone with direct access. By the way… does anyone of you have direct access to Anthony Robbins? Or ARE you Anthony Robbins? Drop me a line!

2. Just ask. Try to get in touch with a person as close as possible to this person. You will most likely be stopped by a secretary, a personal assistant or not get any reply, but asking doesn’t hurt. I once tried this with the CEO of one of the leading Dutch airlines when I was 15. Two weeks after my letter I was invited to his office, where we sat down and talked for about 15 minutes. Then he had to leave to – surprise! – catch a plane.

3. Hold on. Don’t give up if you really want it. This does not mean you should go as far as becoming a stalker, but if you try to achieve your goal in a legitimate way and via a variety of channels, your persistance might one day be rewarded. Leaders usually have a weak spot for people who don’t give up, as they are usually of that kind themselves.

4. Have something for the other. Your position suddenly becomes much stronger if you have something to give, and not just come to get. Apprach your favourite politician with an idea that you believe should appear on his or her political agenda. Impress your pop idol with an initiative that generates a lot of positive attention for him or her.

5. Be clear. Be very specific in why you would like to meet that particular person in all your communication. For instance, I would like to personally meet Anthony Robbins to particularly discuss how to motivate young people and to ask him how he applies the techniques that he promotes in his own life. That would answer some of the questions I struggle with myself, and by making that clear he also knows in advance why he would meet me.

Who would you like to meet? Good luck, and drop me a line when you succeeded!