Originally published in 2008. Updated in 2025 as part of the Personal Branding Blog relaunch under Brown Brothers Media.
It’s very challenging to network with people who are more successful than you are. I’ve been able to do this over the course of the past few years pretty successfully. I’ve spoken with over 70 successful people, just on this blog alone. The magazine I publish has highlighted even more. How am I able to do this?
Well today, I want to reveal the best way to network with people that you may be intimidated by or scared of. These individuals are the ones that can help you out significantly. People who are influential have large spheres of influence, so they can help promote your brand to a larger audience.
The problem is that most of these people don’t need your help, or do they? Today, I’m going to tell you how to network with top-performers like a champ — especially in a world where connection is global and digital.
1) Offer them something they don’t have
The number one reason to start a blog or to create content isn’t just to position yourself as an expert or get your thoughts out there.
The truth behind all the advice you hear every day is that content creation is about networking. 99% of bloggers, podcasters, and creators make almost nothing (relatively speaking), but the network they gain from giving value to successful people is priceless.
See, the one thing that all successful people have in common when it comes to needs is that they need visibility and promotion for their brands. With a blog, a podcast, a YouTube channel, or even a LinkedIn newsletter, you can provide that to them. When you first start your platform, you can’t because you won’t have enough readership to prove the benefit to them.
You might create a high-quality piece of content, a podcast episode, or a LinkedIn Live session that highlights their expertise and gives them meaningful exposure.
2) Give it to them for free
Unless you have something of extraordinary “one-of-a-kind” value to give to successful people, you are better off giving them something for free in exchange for an endorsement or referral later.
A lot of consultants choose to do this or have to do this when they are first starting out, so they can build credibility and a track record. Obviously, people are more inclined to accept that type of generous offer than pay a complete stranger or someone who isn’t as wealthy or successful.
If you receive an endorsement from them, you can use it on your website or on LinkedIn to attract new business or opportunities. Also, if they talk about you or promote you back, you gain visibility with other influencers, which can further your career.
Consider offering to create a small collaboration, a guest feature, or a short video or post for free to show your credibility. That initial gesture can build trust and open the door to bigger opportunities.
3) Take genuine interest in their brand
If someone emails you and is sincere, you are more inclined to answer their email. If someone is reaching out to you asking for favors, especially when you are more successful than they are, you are going to disregard the email.
Genuine interest goes a long way in this world, especially because people are so used to being “used and abused,” as well as spammed daily. There is a great opportunity right now to locate people who are closely aligned to your brand and reach out to them.
Do your homework. Review their recent LinkedIn posts, X (formerly Twitter) threads, podcast appearances, or YouTube videos and reference something specific in your outreach. People appreciate when you’ve invested time to understand what they do before asking for anything.
4) Avoid giving the impression you’re just a wannabe
Instead of telling someone you admire them and then asking for a big favor immediately, frame the conversation differently. Approach with respect, curiosity, and offer something first.
Many people ask for a meeting, a phone call, or a favor right away. That often puts the other party in a defensive position. Instead, ask a thoughtful question or request their input on something you’re doing that is closely related to their work.
For example, share a one-page overview of a project you’re working on and ask if they could point you to a resource or connection, not a job. That subtle shift shows professionalism and confidence rather than desperation.
5) Use modern channels to maintain the relationship
The shortcut to meeting someone more successful than you is by meeting them through your personal contacts. Your friends’ endorsement can save you from a random outreach and make it more personal.
And now, with digital networking tools like LinkedIn, Clubhouse, X (formerly Twitter), or professional Slack and Discord communities, you can warm introductions much more effectively.
When you’re just starting out, reaching out cold without context is harder; use mutual contacts, shared groups, or online events to build rapport.
After meeting, stay connected by sharing helpful resources, congratulating them on milestones, or commenting thoughtfully on their posts. It’s about nurturing the connection over time, not just making the first impression.
Conclusion
Networking with people who are ahead of you is less about chasing and more about joining, providing, and participating. With global connectivity and digital tools, you have access to platforms where successful people publish, engage, and create.
Use those channels smartly: provide value, show genuine interest, and build a visible trail of assisting and collaborating. Stay patient and thoughtful — the relationship matters more than the meeting. Your personal brand grows through the company you keep and the service you deliver.
This article is part of Personal Branding Blog’s Legacy Series — highlighting timeless insights from our archive. Learn more about our story here.
