Selective Targeting - Influential People

One way to network and meet people is to go to every event and try to meet every person there. Another approach is to build a network of high quality via selective targeting. To build a target list of influential people you would like to meet, here is what you need to do.

• Know what your goal is
• Know how each person on your list can help you achieve your goals
• Know enough about the person that you can carry on an intelligent conversation
• Read trade magazines and belong to appropriate associations to help identify people of interest.
• Ask other people you know about the people on your list (one at a time, don't read the list to them.) You'd be surprised how many of the people you know may know someone that can help you get an introduction.
• If you work hard to meet someone, go the the meeting prepared.

It is good to take advantage of random opportunities, but the fastest road to success is a road well planned, or the lottery.