How I Turned a Chance Meeting with my Idol into a Job
Guest Blog by Cameron Smith
If I've learned anything being around Brian, it's that every situation is an opportunity, and to miss out on one is essentially suicide. One has to recognize what they can control in life... I can't control when I will run into people I've worshiped over the years, but I can control what happens when I do. This is key.
The largest opportunity happened a few months ago. I had just become acquainted with Brian's career philosophies and was trying wholeheartedly to incorporate them into the rest of my life. He preaches power and action, something everyone can benefit from.
I was printing out a paper for one of my last classes in my apartment building's business center and noticed a gentleman who looked familiar. I was trying to get a good look but not stare. It hit me as he was leaving that he was a world-famous economist I had spent years essentially deifying throughout my academic career. I started to panic... Why did I miss that? How could I have let my chance walk out...
When he returned to the room... I stood, no, jumped up. I put my hand out and asked if he was indeed the economist. I told him it was an absolute honor to shake his hand. He was giggling and told me no one had ever spotted him and so forwardly introduced themselves.
We started speaking. I informed him I was in the market for a job and asked if he knew any organizations I should look into that aligned with his philosophies. I think this really helped, I didn't say, "send my resume to this place that I know you're affiliated with." I requested knowledge.
After our chat, he whipped out his card and handed it to me. We kept talking for a few minutes and he asked for the card back and wrote his gmail address on the back. I knew I had scored big at that point. We went on to work together on a series of consulting projects. And it all happened because I "cold approached" someone I admired.
So here's my advice on how to capitalize on a similar opportunity:
1. Know your industry. I know this sounds obvious. But be aware of what is happening. The first thing I asked the economist when we met, was about a recent news item involving him. His eyes lit up and we had a chat about it... Great opener.
2. Ask for something they can easily provide such as advice, ideas and thoughts on organizations to research.
3. Maintain the relationship. Do this smoothly... I emailed him right away so he wouldn't forget who I was. I kept it brief, but also gave him something to write me back about. I asked if we could meet purposely; get some coffee to discuss economics. I followed up in the future with quick comments about him in the news... "I saw your piece on the Nightly Business Report, what you said about the stimulus was great. Look forward to more."
4. Don't miss out on anything. My stomach was in the floor when I thought I had missed the chance to speak to this man. But I got a second chance when he walked back into the room. I shook this man's hand and made a good impression, and that's how I got a consulting job with him. You need to make things happen.
If I've learned anything being around Brian, it's that every situation is an opportunity, and to miss out on one is essentially suicide. One has to recognize what they can control in life... I can't control when I will run into people I've worshiped over the years, but I can control what happens when I do. This is key.
The largest opportunity happened a few months ago. I had just become acquainted with Brian's career philosophies and was trying wholeheartedly to incorporate them into the rest of my life. He preaches power and action, something everyone can benefit from.
I was printing out a paper for one of my last classes in my apartment building's business center and noticed a gentleman who looked familiar. I was trying to get a good look but not stare. It hit me as he was leaving that he was a world-famous economist I had spent years essentially deifying throughout my academic career. I started to panic... Why did I miss that? How could I have let my chance walk out...
When he returned to the room... I stood, no, jumped up. I put my hand out and asked if he was indeed the economist. I told him it was an absolute honor to shake his hand. He was giggling and told me no one had ever spotted him and so forwardly introduced themselves.
We started speaking. I informed him I was in the market for a job and asked if he knew any organizations I should look into that aligned with his philosophies. I think this really helped, I didn't say, "send my resume to this place that I know you're affiliated with." I requested knowledge.
After our chat, he whipped out his card and handed it to me. We kept talking for a few minutes and he asked for the card back and wrote his gmail address on the back. I knew I had scored big at that point. We went on to work together on a series of consulting projects. And it all happened because I "cold approached" someone I admired.
So here's my advice on how to capitalize on a similar opportunity:
1. Know your industry. I know this sounds obvious. But be aware of what is happening. The first thing I asked the economist when we met, was about a recent news item involving him. His eyes lit up and we had a chat about it... Great opener.
2. Ask for something they can easily provide such as advice, ideas and thoughts on organizations to research.
3. Maintain the relationship. Do this smoothly... I emailed him right away so he wouldn't forget who I was. I kept it brief, but also gave him something to write me back about. I asked if we could meet purposely; get some coffee to discuss economics. I followed up in the future with quick comments about him in the news... "I saw your piece on the Nightly Business Report, what you said about the stimulus was great. Look forward to more."
4. Don't miss out on anything. My stomach was in the floor when I thought I had missed the chance to speak to this man. But I got a second chance when he walked back into the room. I shook this man's hand and made a good impression, and that's how I got a consulting job with him. You need to make things happen.
Leave a comment