So the next lesson in our networking series is our networking assignment. And I think this is pretty special, because this is your chance to actually put one of these lessons to work. And let me explain what we're going to do. First, how many approaches Will you try from our previous lesson? Do you remember the second approach? Well, it's male, someone you admire, and that's what we're going to do today.
In order to do so we need to get out a couple of worksheets. First, let's get out one that we've already worked on. It's your network building worksheet. Here you should have already hopefully finished and at the top section number two is mailing people you admire who's on your list of people that you admire. We're going to take the time and contact one of those persons. So who would you choose?
But before we contact them, we want to go through the five steps to getting into Ensure people to respond. And if you follow these five fairly simple steps, your probability of getting response from the person you admire really go up. So let's find out what these steps are. And you know, these days busy people are too busy to read emails, so they have the habit of ignoring them, right. However, when someone receives a physical piece of mail in handwriting, it gets their attention more effectively, it shows more of a sense of importance, because someone took the time to write it, to sign it and to mail it. It has that personal touch.
Next, get out the worksheet label networking assignment. We want to fill out this sheet as best possible before you actually get to writing. Go ahead and push pause if you don't have this worksheet. Okay, step number one is to tell them why you chose them. It's important not to forget to let them know why they're the right person to help You, how are they special or unique to you? What distinction drew you to this person?
What do you want to know from them? Then add a sentence or two about what you know about their work and how it has influenced you be as detailed as possible. So here we are on that worksheet. And it's these three sections I'd like you to focus on. First of all, how are they special or unique to you? And what distinction drew you to them?
Take the moment and fill that out? Once you've done that, go down to the next section. What value can they add for you? What do you want to know for them specifically? And then the third part, what do you know about their work or accomplishments that has actually influenced you? Putting these three sections together is going to help answer the question about why you chose them.
Getting on to Step number two Know that you've done your homework you need to have research these people and show that you have a fair understanding of who they are and their accomplishments. You know, research does show that people are more motivated to help those who try to help themselves. And you can show that in showing that you've done your homework. Don't ask questions where the answers can be easily found searching in Google. express that you've already put some effort into looking for those answers, and clearly state what you've done to get these answers. That's this next section here.
Number two. Here, go ahead and answer this particular question as best possible, can you clearly state how you've already made effort to find answers to what you want to know? Number three is highlight uncommon commonalities. What could that mean, if possible, now, it's not always possible, but sometimes it is. Find something that you and the person you admire sharing common, the more specific and the more uncommon, the better. Of course, this takes some research and understanding of this person, why?
There's a good amount of psychological evidence that these types of similarities draw people closer together. And we'll give your person the desire to help and respond to you. So, do you have similar backgrounds, experiences, early challenges in life, likes or dislikes, the most uncommon similarities you have are usually the best. So keep a lookout for those uncommon commonalities. And that section three right here, answered these two areas. Number one, can you identify things you share in common with this person, make a list as many things as possible.
And from there, which of these is most likely shared by the least number of people this makes it an uncommon commonality and a higher likelihood to draw you closer to the person you're writing to. Number four, you want to be really clear and specific with whatever question you're asking. And keep in mind, you don't want to ask a lot of questions make it simple. One question is fantastic. Two, possibly, definitely not three, the fewer the better. Have you heard of kiss kiss?
Keep it short and simple. Don't write more than two or three paragraphs. The person you're writing to is most likely busy, and whether they're busy or not, they most likely are not interested in reading a lengthy letter. The simpler the message, the easier it is for them to read and consider. Furthermore, be specific with your request. What exactly are you asking of them?
Do you want to know about a specific time they were able to overcome an obstacle? What steps they took during or directly after university advice for someone who's in a particular situation that you might be in. Don't ask general questions like, how do I become successful? evidence shows that people are more willing to respond to you, if they're given clear directions on how to contribute. The real goal is to start dialogue, not to ask for help. If they respond, you are now open to future emails and more genuine exchanges.
And number five, finally, express gratitude. We always want to be grateful for someone who's helping us out right. Never sound as if you're demanding or begging the person to respond. Remember, don't demand and don't beg, quote, unquote, you should respond or please respond our mistakes. you're much more likely to get a response. If you can make the person's experience enjoyable.
That makes experience can be more enjoyable when they feel appreciated and have a sense of making a difference in people's lives. Instead of the other phrases, use phrases like thank you so much. I'm really grateful, and then express how this can make a difference in your life. Let them know how this will help you and potentially others. Now once you finish the first worksheet, I have a letter writing format guide that should help you format your information into a pretty good letter. After you follow these steps, go ahead and type in print your letter, sign your name in blue ink, and then send it on its way.
So let's take a quick look at that letter writing format guide. Now here's an example that I've used in the past and this is a real example. Although contact information and names have been changed. This is a real example that I've used to get response from someone that my wife admires. And I have come to admire as well. So let's start from the top down to the bottom, at the top, go ahead and put in your address, and then the date that you've written the letter.
From there, you want to include the name and address of the person you're sending to the recipients information. And then a common salutation, for example, simply dear so and so. So regarding these five steps, if you look at step number one about tell them why you chose them. I go ahead and state this right here. For example, the reason I am writing you is because blah, blah, blah. Then step two is to express that you've done your homework.
I have step two down here in the second paragraph, stating, I've read about your contribution to the party's community. And by adding a Psychological component to your work MAMAMOO blah, blah, blah. As you might have guessed, my wife is a polities instructor. Number three, you want to highlight uncommon commonalities. The uncommon commonality that I've chosen is that my wife has fallen in love with platina and made a career out of it, just as this person has done the same in their career toward the bottom number four, have your specific request, my specific request is one question. And then at the end, Step five, real simply, I expressed gratitude.
Thank you so much. I'm really grateful. And there you have it, it's pretty simple. So take the time to follow these instructions in the same format that you can see here for you. Then the next thing you know is you have an effective letter to more than likely get a response from the person you admire, and who knows start building relationships. with that person.
So let's recap what we've talked about regarding the five steps to getting influential people to respond. Number one, tell them why you chose them. Number two, show them you've done your homework. Three, look for uncommon commonalities and state them clearly. For make a specific, simple request, try to limit it to one question. And five, express gratitude and thanks.
So there you have it. These are the steps to get someone that you admire someone famous, maybe a big influencer in your industry to respond to a specific question you might have and who knows, you could start building a relationship with this person, and thus expanding your network. That's it for this section. Let's get ready for the final section, mystery question answered.