Incognito's Guide to Getting In with CEOs, High Net Worth Individuals and Known Public Figures

Looking for a top down approach to prospecting? Want some sweet referral sources that guarantee you an audience? Want to flaunt a golden rolodex in your next interview?

Well, here's my secret sauce to getting "in" with those who are often beyond reach, as these types were my entire target demographic in my former career. While the barrier to entry is often being ridiculously rich, it doesn't have to be.


1 - Find some events that they all frequent


This is often polo, fashion galas, charity balls, and exclusive golf/country clubs. I know that horse events attract a whole lot of them, and tbh, its easier to get in that way because no one would show up unless they have a lot of money.


2 - Make friends with a vendor, venue employee, or someone in a "service role" connected to these events


If you want to ease into it without going straight to your targets, start with someone essential to servicing these types but not actually one themselves. This will come in very handy for VIP access when you don't have an invite. You need to be in the VIP section of everything.


3 - Figure out who is trying to buy their way into the "cool club", and charm the shit out of them


The recent divorcee, the new money, the ugly awkward fat kid no one likes but has blank checks from mommy and daddy. They always have extra tickets and they always buy their friends. You don't have to be an asshole and just use them - be there for them. You're not asking them for money. But make sure they bring you along to the exclusive insider only gigs and network like hell once you're in. Give nods and respect to the folks from group 2.


4 - Be different.


I know this seems cliché, but you have to give these people a reason to want you around. You technically don't belong (and they know this), so you have to be interesting. Could be your sense of humor, could be that you're really fucking hot. Personally, I broke the "dress code" rules. I went full weirdo with tats and extravagant outfits. They NEVER leave their "bubble", so I was a "safe" way to fraternize with the "others". It guaranteed me invites to every single private party because everyone wanted to see what I would wear next.


****Disclaimer - being different requires being EXTRA professional and EXTRA composed. You need to reinforce the "safe" part of associating with you


Unless you're giving them drugs and/or the life of the party. That has value too, but it was never my path.


5 - Treat them like you would any other regular human


I cannot stress this enough. They will all be used to people kissing their ass 24/7. Don't do this. Project confidence like you belong, and have normal conversations. I don't give a fuck if it's the Queen of France. If they're being a prick, tell them (politely). It may piss them off for a moment, but I promise that everyone else in the room will be your #1 fan because you had the balls to do it.


Other items worthy of note:


You don't need designer clothes, but don't look cheap. Dress up something with expensive accessories (shoes, blazer).


Ask them to teach you about whatever event it is. They all think they're experts, and will happily introduce you to everyone important to prove it.


When at a loss for something to say, ask about some item of clothing they're wearing. Male or female. Again, people love to talk about themselves.


______________________________________________________________________


Again, this has been my experience and it worked for me. I know there are a ton of opportunities this weekend, so happy hunting!

🔎 Prospecting
🤝 Networking
🧠 Advice
51
paddy
WR Officer
14
Director of Business Development
Uhhh you forgot about sleeping with them???
CuriousFox
WR Officer
10
🦊
That's taking the easy way out. 😏
Incognito
WR Officer
8
Master of Disaster
That is also an option. Ironically, one that was used on me once I was “in the club” 😂
paddy
WR Officer
8
Director of Business Development
Is there a shower in the club?
Incognito
WR Officer
7
Master of Disaster
Always. It’s VIP. Bathroom stalls extra big for “group trips”
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
6
sales
One love @Incognito, how the hell did you format this? Am I such a boomer I am unable to do this?
Incognito
WR Officer
6
Master of Disaster
I used the formatting tools available on the site? 

Also, posted from my laptop. I never use the app. I even use the browser version on my phone. 
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
3
sales
I guess I’m just old.
Incognito
WR Officer
3
Master of Disaster
I doubt you’re older than me
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
1
sales
I’m older.
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
6
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
Alternative title - 'How to marry well'
Giving myself till 30 and then fuck it I'm a househusband. 
Incognito
WR Officer
6
Master of Disaster
The.Machine
Politicker
4
Sales Development Lead
Wish I could bookmark. Great read! 
Incognito
WR Officer
7
Master of Disaster
Thanks! I often just make a word doc or something and copy and paste it to save for reference. 

Ive done this a lot for interviewing, cold emails, cold calls, etc. so each doc has my favorite comments/ content I’ve come across on each topic.
The.Machine
Politicker
1
Sales Development Lead
Ever tried notion? 

Word docs are too hard to manage :) 
Incognito
WR Officer
4
Master of Disaster
Thanks!
1nbatopshotfan
Politicker
4
Sales
This is really helpful and well done. Thanks for sharing @Incognito 
Diablo
Politicker
3
Sr. AE
I loved point 5 the most 👍
Incognito
WR Officer
6
Master of Disaster
It's just a good point for life tbh
Diablo
Politicker
1
Sr. AE
100% agreed
NoSuperhero
Politicker
3
BDR LEAD
great post @Incognito! This takes me back to the days of my childhood when I used to run around in country clubs and have free access to everything because my mom worked for an Alcohol Liquor distributor and would have to be at all these events, good times.

Beyond the nostalgia tho, I can see how being present at these events would up your relationship with CEOs and other c suite execs. Definitely putting a face to the name helps a shitload and treating them as humans has to be your greatest advice yet, they are simply just humans at the end of the day haha
Incognito
WR Officer
6
Master of Disaster
You got all the ingredients- now go make some major cheddar 😎
ZeroGrit
Valued Contributor
2
VP of Hoping My Emails Find You Well
Love this!
Incognito
WR Officer
6
Master of Disaster
What whales are you hunting?
ZeroGrit
Valued Contributor
2
VP of Hoping My Emails Find You Well
Mostly just trying to change my own approach to people of influence. This was a great guide.
DungeonsNDemos
Big Shot
2
Rolling 20's all day
Either you're insane or a genius and either way I commend you on this out of the box guide! 
Incognito
WR Officer
5
Master of Disaster
Please elaborate on “insane” kthx. 

it’s possible that’s true
jefe
Arsonist
0
🍁
Bit of both?
FamilyTruckster
Politicker
2
Exec Director, Major Accounts
Bingo. You know the people that have money when horses are their hobby. “Is that an Arabian?” Nope, it’s a blah blah blah…. Awesome post
Closeitalready
Valued Contributor
1
Head of Sales
What do you sell? Or what did you sold when you did this ? Really curious
Incognito
WR Officer
7
Master of Disaster
Now that we can post pics - had to post one of Marshmallow 🥰

So basically horses and training services 
Closeitalready
Valued Contributor
1
Head of Sales
Okay, understand. I’m really a layman but aren’t those horses and trainings reaaaallly expensive .. when I read your advice (don‘t get me wrong) it would absolutely not work for my last profession e.g. being an energy broker. But much appreciated input.
Incognito
WR Officer
9
Master of Disaster
Yes they’re expensive but here’s the part no one will tell you - you don’t have to be into whatever event you’re at. You just have to *get in*. People with money and influence are the target - and there certainly are plenty of those. You were in the energy sector? I could name like 10 + Energy CEOs who regularly sponsor equestrian events. And it’s their wives and kids who do it, so they’re probably bored as hell. They would be THANKFUL to “talk shop” with someone who is knowledgeable in their field. 

That’s face time with a top executive  no amount of cold calling/emailing/whatever else will get you. 
BeatCancer
Fire Starter
1
Account Executive
Point 4 and 5 are so key in sales. Indifference and every human goes to shit at least once a day
Incognito
WR Officer
5
Master of Disaster
Using different to your advantage like https://youtu.be/DxrIvPMhcvM
BeatCancer
Fire Starter
1
Account Executive
Wish I could whistle
Tres
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Legit
bamageorge
Celebrated Contributor
0
International Sales Director
Great content! Thanks for this.
Incognito
WR Officer
4
Master of Disaster
Welcome 🥰
Hoopnip
Politicker
0
Commercial AE
Must be from the south or east coast…
Incognito
WR Officer
4
Master of Disaster
Why do you say that?
MR.StretchISR
Politicker
0
ISR
"He made it his mission to do what he could to eradicate the conditions that caused terrorism to flourish in the first place - and believed foreign direct investment was the best way to do it." -- I just became your stepdad's biggest fan with that line!
15
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