Writing letters to connect with luminaries - Who has done this?

[jbischke]

One of the strategies for accelerating business success that I've seen talked about before is to write letters to people you admire in your industry and try to get a few minutes of their time to connect with them. I've heard lots of stories of this working (including someone who got a meeting with Warren Buffett this way). However, I'm also not sure how effective this is and whether it's worth the time it takes to do it.

Has anyone had any luck with doing this? Any specific tips you can offer if you have?

Thanks!

[cdn2wheeler]

Mixed results.

I carried on a correspondence with an author for a short time (Ted Simon of Dreaming of Jupiter fame) as well as the delightful (and I really do mean that!) author of Kiwis Might Fly, Polly Evans.

Also coresponded with couple of musicians including Tom Cochrane and one of the musicians he worked with, Jamie Oakes. Had a bit of an "in" though with the musicians, as I was in the business for a short, albeit chaotic, time.

Didn't have any luck with Neil Peart, Geddy Lee or Alex Lifeson of Rush though.

Also scored a one-on-one with Peter Legge, a publisher and motivational-type speaker in Vancouver.

Success rate was about 1 in 10.

[Angela]

That's something I do every day! But I don't write letters -- I use the phone. Writing letters hasn't gotten me any appointments; only nice letters in return.

The most important thing to remember is who is either your biggest ally or your biggest obstacle: the executive assistant.

Make sure you treat her (him) with respect and consideration. Be concise and authentic -- an ea can smell a bullshitter and a time-waster a mile away and will keep you on the outs. Here's one way to lose her right off the bat: assume an air of inappropriate intimacy. It is so awful to have a caller say, "Hello, what's your name? How are you doing today, Angela?" Don't waste her precious time with this crap; she'll just be waiting impatiently for you to get to the point. Whatever you ask of her, even her name, be respectful and professional. Introduce yourself before you say anything else.

Prepare your request in advance: who you are, what organization you're with, what you hope to accomplish, what you want from the VIP, how much time you expect it to take, and how he'll benefit. Be inspiring; let him know how what you're up to will make a difference in the world.

Be ready to jump through hoops of fire: to be available at a moment's notice, to do all the necessary travelling, to sit waiting for him for six hours, to reschedule graciously. Be willing to do whatever it takes to make it as easy as possible for him to comply with your request.

[seeker5]

Originally Posted by Angela

That's something I do every day! But I don't write letters -- I use the phone.
....
Be ready to jump through hoops of fire: to be available at a moment's notice, to do all the necessary travelling, to sit waiting for him for six hours, to reschedule graciously. Be willing to do whatever it takes to make it as easy as possible for him to comply with your request.

What do you do it for? Is it for your business (I don't know what your vocation is) or is it for pleasure/learning? What kind of people do you reach out to?

[Angela]

Originally Posted by seeker5

What do you do it for? Is it for your business (I don't know what your vocation is) or is it for pleasure/learning? What kind of people do you reach out to?

I produce events, among other things, for a business leader/philanthropist.

I've got a big bunch of educational events coming up, but some of the events are just for fun. They have to be kind of unusual, only-available-to-this-group kind of stuff, in interesting venues, and with remarkable speakers and panels.

Over the last few years we've had political leaders, film stars, rock stars, athletes, authors, comedians, and many of the most prominent business leaders in the country. I'm looking forward to our Swami event!