5 Tips on How to Answer "Who's One Person You Want to Meet?"

Networking events can be a great way to meet new people and expand your professional network. However, it can be difficult to know how to approach someone you want to meet, especially if you’re feeling shy or intimidated.

The key is to be confident and assertive, but not aggressive. Make eye contact and smile, and introduce yourself in a clear and concise way. State your name, your company or affiliation, and what you do. For example, you could say, “Hi, I’m [your name] from [your company]. I’m a [your title].”

Once you’ve introduced yourself, take a moment to ask the other person a question about themselves. This shows that you’re interested in them and that you’re not just trying to sell them something. For example, you could ask, “What brought you to this event?” or “What do you do for a living?”

Crafting an Irresistible Message

A captivating message can elevate your introduction and ignite a response. Here’s a detailed guide to crafting an irresistible message:

**Personalize it:** Address the person by name and acknowledge their specific work, accomplishments, or interests that resonated with you. Show genuine interest and avoid generic or impersonal salutations.

**Highlight your expertise:** Subtly weave your relevant skills or experience into your message. Demonstrate how your expertise aligns with the person’s needs or interests without being overly boastful.

**Keep it concise:** Time is precious, so keep your message brief yet impactful. Aim for 3-5 concise sentences that convey your key points effectively.

**Proofread carefully:** Before sending your message, take the time to proofread it thoroughly. Ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors that could detract from your professionalism.

Example of an Irresistible Message

Subject: Request for a Virtual Meeting with Sarah Jones

Message:

  Dear Sarah,

  My name is John Smith, and I'm reaching out after reading your impressive article on AI in healthcare. Your insights were particularly insightful, as I'm currently working on a similar project.

  I'd be thrilled to connect with you virtually to discuss our mutual interest in AI and explore potential collaboration opportunities. My expertise in data analysis and modeling could complement your research and provide valuable support.

  Please let me know if you're available for a brief meeting. I'm flexible with the time and can accommodate your schedule.

  Thank you for your consideration.

  Sincerely,
  John Smith

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Researching the Person’s Background

Conducting thorough research about the individual you wish to meet is crucial. This will assist you in tailoring your approach and making a lasting impression.

Social Media Profiles

Examine the person’s social media profiles on platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Pay attention to their professional history, interests, and recent activities. This information can provide insights into their career path, skills, and personal life.

Company Website and News Articles

If the person is affiliated with a company, visit their website and search for news articles featuring their accomplishments or contributions. Read industry publications and online forums related to their field of expertise to gain a deeper understanding of their work and reputation.

Networking and Referrals

Reach out to your existing network and inquire if anyone has connections or has met the person you desire to meet. Networking events, professional organizations, and alumni groups can provide valuable introductions.

Source	Information Gained
LinkedIn	Professional history, skills, endorsements
Twitter	Current interests, industry updates
Instagram	Personal passions, lifestyle
Company Website	Career trajectory, accomplishments
News Articles	Industry expertise, recognition
Networking and Referrals	Personal introductions, insights from others

Demonstrating Value and Contribution

When reaching out to someone specific, it’s crucial to demonstrate how you can add value to their life or work. Highlight your unique skills, experiences, or perspectives that would benefit them. Avoid generic statements and instead focus on specific instances where you have made a positive impact. Quantify your contributions whenever possible to provide a tangible measure of your impact.

Consider creating a table to present your value proposition clearly:

Skill/Experience	Value Proposition
Data Analysis	Improved decision-making by providing actionable insights from complex data sets.
Marketing Strategy	Increased revenue by 15% through a targeted and personalized marketing campaign.
Project Management	Successfully delivered multiple high-impact projects on time and within budget.

By clearly articulating your value and how it aligns with the recipient’s needs, you increase the likelihood of capturing their attention and ultimately securing a meeting.

Seeking a Common Connection

Building a connection with someone you admire can be daunting, but finding common ground can ease the process. Here are some strategies to explore:

1. LinkedIn Groups and Shared Interests

Join LinkedIn groups that align with your interests and the person you want to meet. Engage in discussions, share insights, and connect with group members who share similar passions.

2. Online Communities and Forums

Participate in online communities or forums related to your field or industry. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with people who have shared goals and perspectives.

3. Industry Events and Networking Opportunities

Attend industry events, conferences, and networking functions to meet people in your field. Introduce yourself, share common interests, and explore potential areas of collaboration.

4. Research and Find Shared Connections

Use LinkedIn or other social media platforms to research the person you want to meet. Look for mutual connections, shared interests, or past experiences that you can leverage:

Method	Approach
Mutual Connections	Reach out to your mutual connections and ask for an introduction. Explain your admiration for the person and why you want to connect.
Shared Interests	Identify shared interests or hobbies. Use this as a starting point for reaching out and expressing your admiration for their work.
Past Experiences	If you both had similar work experiences or attended the same school, mention this in your outreach. It can create an immediate connection.

Personalizing the Request

To enhance the impact of your request to meet, personalize it specifically to the individual you’re interested in. Consider the following strategies:

1. Research and Tailor

Gather information about the person’s background, interests, and accomplishments. Use this research to craft a request that resonates with their specific expertise or passion.

2. Reference a Common Connection

If you know someone who is acquainted with both you and the person you want to meet, ask for an introduction. This can add credibility and make your request less awkward.

3. Highlight Your Value

Articulate how meeting this individual would benefit both parties. Explain any relevant skills, experience, or insights you can offer that align with their interests.

4. Offer Value in Return

Instead of simply asking for a meeting, consider offering something in return. This could include sharing valuable information, providing assistance with a project, or connecting them to someone who can assist with their goals.

5. Craft a Compelling Message

Write a clear and concise message that outlines the following:

Element	Description
Opening	Start with a brief and attention-grabbing salutation, followed by a personalized greeting.
Introduction	Introduce yourself and briefly explain how you learned about the person or their work.
Reason for Request	State why you would like to meet, highlighting any specific interests or goals you have in common.
Call to Action	Suggest a specific time and place for the meeting, or ask for their availability.
Closing	End with a polite and professional closing, emphasizing your interest in connecting.

Respecting Boundaries and Time

In the digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of connecting with new people. However, it’s crucial to remember that even online, respecting boundaries and time is paramount.

1. Be Clear and Direct

When expressing your desire to meet someone, be direct and honest. Avoid using vague or ambiguous language. Clearly state your intentions and be specific about the purpose of the meeting.

2. Time it Right

Consider the person’s schedule before reaching out. Check their social media or professional profiles to see when they might be active or available. Don’t send messages at odd hours or on weekends unless it’s specifically stated they prefer it.

3. Keep it Brief and Professional

Be concise in your message and avoid unnecessary details. Use a professional tone and grammar to convey respect. Keep it short and sweet, aiming for a few sentences at most.

4. Give Them Options

Don’t pressure the person to meet immediately. Offer them multiple options for time and location, and allow them to choose what works best for them. This demonstrates that you value their time and preferences.

5. Respect Their Decision

If the person declines your offer to meet, accept their decision gracefully. Don’t take it personally or continue to pursue them. Respect their boundaries and move on.

6. Follow Up Thoughtfully

If the person agrees to meet, follow up a few days before to confirm the time and location. This shows that you’re organized and respectful of their time. Be flexible and understanding if they need to reschedule or cancel.

Do	Don’t
Be clear and direct	Be vague or ambiguous
Time it right	Contact at odd hours
Keep it brief and professional	Write long, rambling messages
Give them options	Pressure them to meet immediately
Respect their decision	Pursue them if they decline
Follow up thoughtfully	Ignore their time constraints

Following Up Appropriately

After you’ve sent your initial message, it’s important to follow up appropriately. Here are seven tips:

1. Wait a few days before following up.

Don’t spam the person you’re trying to connect with. Give them a few days to respond to your initial message before sending a follow-up.

2. Be brief and to the point.

Your follow-up message should be short and sweet. Get right to the point and remind the person who you are and why you’re reaching out.

3. Personalize your message.

Don’t send a generic follow-up message. Take the time to personalize it by referring to something specific in the person’s profile or your previous conversation.

4. Offer something of value.

If you’re not able to connect with the person right away, offer something of value in your follow-up message. This could be a link to an article or blog post that you think they would find interesting, or an offer to help them with something.

5. Be persistent.

Don’t give up if you don’t get a response right away. Be persistent and send a few follow-up messages over the course of a few weeks. Just be sure not to be annoying about it.

6. Use a different channel.

If you’re not getting a response through email, try reaching out through a different channel, such as LinkedIn or Twitter.

7. Keep it professional.

Even though you’re following up on a personal connection, it’s important to keep your messages professional. Avoid using slang or informal language, and make sure your messages are well-written and error-free.

Handling Rejection Gracefully

Rejection is a part of life, and it’s important to be able to handle it gracefully. Here are a few tips:

1. Don’t take it personally.

It’s easy to feel like rejection is a reflection of your worth, but it’s important to remember that it’s not. People may reject you for all sorts of reasons that have nothing to do with you.

2. Be respectful.

Even if you’re disappointed, it’s important to be respectful of the person who rejected you. Thank them for their time and consideration, and wish them well.

3. Learn from the experience.

Rejection can be a valuable learning experience. Take some time to reflect on what you could have done differently, and use that information to improve your approach in the future.

4. Don’t give up.

Just because you’ve been rejected once doesn’t mean you should give up. Keep trying, and eventually you’ll find someone who is interested in meeting you.

5. Seek support from others.

If you’re struggling to cope with rejection, talk to a friend, family member, or therapist. They can offer support and encouragement.

6. Focus on the positive.

Rejection can be a difficult experience, but it’s important to focus on the positive. Remember that you are a valuable person, and that there are plenty of other people who would be interested in meeting you.

7. Practice self-care.

Taking care of yourself is important for both your physical and mental health. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.

8. Remember that rejection is a normal part of life.

Rejection is something that everyone experiences at some point in their life. It’s not a sign that you’re a bad person, or that you’re not worthy of love. It’s simply a part of the human experience.

Rejection Rate by Industry
Finance: 75%
Tech: 60%
Healthcare: 50%
Education: 40%
Retail: 30%

Be Patient and Persistent

Meeting the person you admire can take time and effort. Don’t give up easily. Follow these additional tips for staying patient and persistent:

9. Plan Ahead and Research

Before reaching out, take time to learn about the person. This will help you craft a thoughtful request and show that you genuinely care about making a connection. Research their interests, work, and background. Consider what common ground you share and how you can connect on a personal level.

Additionally, research their availability and schedule. Avoid contacting them during their busy periods or when they might be less responsive. Consider sending a request during their off-hours or on weekends when they may have more free time.

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Evaluate the Outcome and Adjust Strategy

Review the Response

After sending your “One Person You Want to Meet” email, carefully review the response you receive. If you get a positive response, great! You can proceed with arranging a meeting.

Analyze Any No-Response

If you don’t get a response within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 2 weeks), don’t give up just yet. Analyze the situation:

Could the timing be off? Try reaching out again later.
Was your email potentially lost or overlooked? Follow up politely.
Did you personalize the email effectively? Revise your message to be more relevant.

Re-evaluate Your Strategy

If you’ve been unsuccessful despite multiple attempts, it’s time to re-evaluate your strategy. Consider the following:

Aspect	Re-evaluation
Networking Channels	Explore different platforms or events where you’re more likely to connect with your target.
Referral Sources	Seek introductions from mutual acquaintances or industry contacts who can vouch for you.
Message Content	Tailor your message to the specific interests and expertise of the individual you’re targeting.
Follow-up Timing	Adjust the timing and frequency of your follow-ups to avoid being perceived as pushy or annoying.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Remember, persistence and adaptability are key. Stay positive and don’t give up easily. Keep refining your approach and networking efforts until you achieve your goal.

How To Answer One Person You Want To Meet

If you’re like most people, you probably have a list of people you’d like to meet. Maybe it’s a celebrity, a politician, or a business leader. Whatever the case may be, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of meeting that person.

First, do your research. Find out where the person you want to meet is likely to be. If they’re a celebrity, check their social media accounts to see if they’re doing any public appearances. If they’re a politician, find out if they’re scheduled to speak at any events. If they’re a business leader, see if they’re participating in any conferences or panels.

Once you know where the person you want to meet is likely to be, start planning your approach. Be polite and respectful, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. If you have a common interest, mention it. For example, if you’re both fans of the same sports team, you could say something like, “I couldn’t help but notice that you’re wearing a [team name] jersey. I’m a big fan of the team too!”

If you don’t have a common interest, you can still try to start a conversation by asking a question. For example, you could say, “I’m curious about your work in [field]. Can you tell me a little bit about it?”

Regardless of how you approach the person, be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The more genuine you are, the more likely you are to make a good impression.