Big Game Hunting

Do your best to create meaningful friendships and start creating your own shared history with Big Gamers. Contact them before an event and tell them how much you admire them—be specific—and that you are excited to meet them in person. When you meet them, you will be more of a familiar face than the nameless sea of faces at the same event.

When I meet a Big Gamer, I ask myself, “Can I see myself being their friend in 10 years?” If the answer is yes, I stay in touch. If the answer is no, I move on. It saves you so much time, energy and effort when you think this way.

Whenever possible, always call or meet them in person.

In just the lobby area at the Sheraton Time Square hotel in New York during the Clinton Global Initiative, I met a Greek billionaire; I met Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia; I met a private equity executive, a startup entrepreneur, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus.

Entrepreneurs’ Organization and the Young Presidents’ Organization.

When you research a Big Gamer, focus on the Big Four: 1) Who they are, 2) What they do, 3) How they became successful, and 4) When you can meet them.

1. Don’t wait. Start walking toward them. 2. Action is the only way to break inertia. 3. Keep it simple. It’s not about you; it’s about them.

But always remember, when someone is pounding on your door with an opportunity, simply take a deep breath and open the door.

1. Ask questions to learn about Big Gamers’ interests. 2. Find mentors: They are your carpool lane to success. 3. Ask yourself: How can I help this person?