The Association Blog

Have a professional idol? Here are strategies for making contact

“We all have professional idols we’d like to meet,” writes Dorie Clark in Harvard Business Review, “ people whose careers inspire and impress us. But how do you connect with them?”

Clark, named three times as one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world, suggests the following strategies for crafting your introductory email or message:

• Establish your credibility by mentioning mutual connections and shared alumni affiliations.
• Show how your connection will be mutually beneficial. “Be specific about what you’re asking for and what you can offer,” says Clark.
• Be clear you have no expectations. Explains Clark, “You like what they do and you’d enjoy the chance to be useful to them, but you completely understand if they’re too busy.”

This tip is adapted from Dorie Clark’s article, “How to Reach Out to Someone Whose Career You Admire.” And P.S., details to come, but we’re thrilled that Clark will be speaking at at future learning event for The Association. Stay tuned!