As a young entrepreneur I am always looking to learn from others who have paved the way before me. I am a big believer in Modeling Masters – why struggle through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship when you can tap into people who have already made their mistakes and can give you guidance?
On a regular basis I update my list of people I want to connect with personally and learn about. This is the easy part – creating your list. The next step is to contact them and give them a reason to want to talk with you.
The angle that I have always used is my website. I go in to meet them to learn about how they built their companies and then I write a story about them on my website. They get exposure and a flattering story written about them. In the meantime I get to hear their secrets to success and ask questions that can help my business grow. I always look for the fastest growing companies in my city and target the founder of the firms. One of the people I interviewed just became one of the Top 40 Under 40 and I have learned a lot from his success.
If you do not have a popular website that carries a brand of some sort, go out and get one. Local newspapers and other websites, blogs, etc. are always looking for good stories and love to profile stories of achievement. Contact them with your idea and then go get the entrepreneur using the their name and reputation.
I have always been a fan of quality over quantity. It may take some extra work to get into meeting the people on your list but if they are the cream of the crop of people who can help you and give you advice it is worth the effort. You will get some good tips and also likely end up with someone who you can call on for advice in the future.
Evan Carmichael
