How to approach a billionaire, whom I work for and admire?

**ToyiahMarquis** · 12-15-2010 03:11 PM

Question YE: I will be in the same place with my "big boss" (my 9 to 5) and I'm trying to muster up the nerve to ask him for a chance to allow me to shadow him for a day or two... I'd really just like to see how he operates on a day to day and get insight from him on being a mogul. I'd ultimately like for him to give me some resources and perhaps take me under his wing... gonna be at a xmas party, and will be the "only" way I can have direct one on one contact with him. How would you approach it?

**Austy** · 12-15-2010 08:25 PM

Outside of his business, is there anything he happens to do or like that you might have in common to chat about? For example, I own a 1960 Bonneville and I have a 1929 Model A roadster project and it can be fun to chat with people about the classic cars out there. But, some things will work better than others, such as for me, skiing is my real soft spot.

I would not make the common mistake of thinking that he will gladly take someone under his wing because the person is ambitious and tells him they admire him for his success. I'm not saying it is impossible for that to work, but I'm sure he has to deal with ambitious underlings all the time. Flattery tends to work better on people not use to being flattered, and he no doubt gets it enough to be sick.

Now, what he can't have too much of would be friends, so I'd shoot for that well before the "wing" thing. Be a conversationalist and discuss hobbies with him and do your best to be fun to chat with. If you do this well enough you have a chance at future conversations.

**s101elvis** · 12-17-2010 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by ToyiahMarquis

Question YE: I will be in the same place with my "big boss" (my 9 to 5) and I'm trying to muster up the nerve to ask him for a chance to allow me to shadow him for a day or two... I'd really just like to see how he operates on a day to day and get insight from him on being a mogul. I'd ultimately like for him to give me some resources and perhaps take me under his wing... gonna be at a xmas party, and will be the "only" way I can have direct one on one contact with him. How would you approach it?

Just approach him in a very friendly matter and ask him nicely to allow you to shadow him for a couple of days.. If he is a nice guy surely he won't mind.. I want to do this with Richard Branson (just a dream of mine for now).

**ToyiahMarquis** · 12-18-2010 04:56 PM

thanks for the advice guys! Well, I am happy to say that I approached him at the xmas party, we were taking a picture and I mustered up the nerves to say "Sam, I know this may not be a good time... But, it's the only time I can catch up with you and speak one on one. As you know I'm an entrepreneur and admire you and everything you've done. Would it be possible if I could shadow you for a day or two?" He smiled and said "Yes, of course"... I sighed like yayyy me. (lol) I then asked how he'd like me to follow up to set everything up and he told me to let his assistant know and we'll make it happen. YES!!!!!!! It's been a LONG time dream of mine as well and if anyone knows how to do it, it's him. Now I'll just prepare for the moment.
I guess the bottom line is we have to use our resources and never be afraid to just ask.... right?

**s101elvis** · 12-18-2010 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by ToyiahMarquis

thanks for the advice guys! Well, I am happy to say that I approached him at the xmas party, we were taking a picture and I mustered up the nerves to say "Sam, I know this may not be a good time... But, it's the only time I can catch up with you and speak one on one. As you know I'm an entrepreneur and admire you and everything you've done. Would it be possible if I could shadow you for a day or two?" He smiled and said "Yes, of course"... I sighed like yayyy me. (lol) I then asked how he'd like me to follow up to set everything up and he told me to let his assistant know and we'll make it happen. YES!!!!!!! It's been a LONG time dream of mine as well and if anyone knows how to do it, it's him. Now I'll just prepare for the moment.
I guess the bottom line is we have to use our resources and never be afraid to just ask.... right?

THAT'S AWESOME!!... One thing I have noticed in business how other business people will go out of their way to help you if you ask for thir help or advice (of course this not always the case) I have met a few who are not that nice, but they have been the minority.... Most people would be flattered to have someone ask them to shadow them for a few days.

**chanson** · 12-19-2010 09:37 AM

Congrats man! thats really great. Now dont blow it

I would agree though I have had several people ask me for advice about different types of topics. I have had discussions through email with some of the younger members on this forum. I wouldnt mind at all if someone came and ask if they could spend some time with me to see how I operate, and what I do. However I wouldn't necesarily let them shadow me so to speak. For example maybe a few hours a day for a week instead of 2 or 3 full days. There might be some sensitive issues I couldnt discuss in front of them. So keep that in mind when hanging around the big boss. He might have to boot you out from time to time. Dont feel like your in his way or he is annoyed or anything like that. he probably just needs to sort some issues out!

Good luck!!

Chris