"Oh, I so want to meet him!"
You are attending a community event. You see a high-profile person across the room. They look just like their annual report photo! You realize this might be your only opportunity to meet them. Your hands get clammy. You feel like you are back at a high school dance. What do you do?
Background
You've got a few things going in your favor. You had an idea who might attend tonight's event. You recognized their face, so you know a little about them. You have your smartphone available. Ducking into the restroom, you checkout their LinkedIn profile. You check for news about their company. Did they recently release earnings? Have they been quoted in the media? You rejoin the party.
Three Strategies
Mingling and networking with high-net-worth individuals is similar to dating. The upside is you are familiar with different approaches.
1. Get an introduction. Looking around the room, you spot a friend. They are a board member at this charity. You ask if they know the person you want to meet. They say yes. Known her for years. You ask for an introduction. They walk you over, inserting themselves in a pause in the conversation. They introduce you, highlighting a few interests in common. "You both live downtown, play tennis and enjoy Mexican food. I'm sure you will have lots to talk about." They depart.
Bryce Sanders is president of Perceptive Business Solutions Inc. He provides HNW client acquisition training for the financial services industry. His book, "
