We all have professional idols we’d like to meet. Sometimes we might luck into getting to say hello at a conference or having a mutual friend who can introduce us. But often, despite our suspicions that we have a lot in common with and could even be friends with our heroes, they remain out of reach.
How to Reach Out to Someone Whose Career You Admire
Highlight your value — and don’t ask to meet for coffee.
July 17, 2019
retales botijero/Getty Images
Summary.
We all have professional idols we’d like to meet. Sometimes we might luck into getting to say hello at a conference or having a mutual friend who can introduce us. But often they remain out of reach. Here are four strategies you can try to connect with high-profile strangers: 1) Establish your credibility up front to show that the interaction will be worth their time. 2) Identify a way to offer value. 3) Highlight what makes you interesting (even if it’s not directly relevant to their work). 4) Make it clear that you have no expectations.
New!
HBR Learning
Leveraging Your Networks Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leveraging Your Networks. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Map, assess, and strengthen your professional relationships.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Leveraging Your Networks Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leveraging Your Networks. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Map, assess, and strengthen your professional relationships.