How to Talk to Someone Who is "Out of Your League"

TL;DR

Overcome nervousness by remembering that successful people are just human, and use the "Netflix Rule" to humanize them.

Transcript

• If you are anything like me, (quiet music) you probably get pretty nervous about the prospect of going up and talking or introducing yourself to somebody you admire. Whether it's an author you like or a musician, or just somebody who's really well-respected in your field, the prospect of going up and talking to that person can seem like you're go... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎗️ Overcoming nervousness when talking to someone successful requires a mindset change that reminds you they are human and relatable.
• 🥺 Engaging in conversations with successful individuals can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.
• 🥶 Small talk and starting conversations based on the person's interests or recent achievements can help break the ice.
• 🛟 The outcome of the interaction can either be positive or forgettable, as successful individuals have their own lives and concerns.
• 😨 The Netflix Rule can also be applied to public speaking or situations where fear of judgment is present.
• 🥺 Building professional relationships and expanding networks can lead to future job prospects.
• ❓ Problem-solving skills and interdisciplinary knowledge are crucial for future job opportunities.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker feel about approaching the author at the conference?

The speaker regretted not approaching the author due to feeling unworthy and seeing the author as being in a completely different league.

Q: What is the Netflix Rule?

The Netflix Rule is a mindset change where the speaker reminds themselves that even successful people engage in ordinary activities like watching Netflix, making them relatable and approachable.

Q: How can the speaker start a conversation with someone they admire?

The speaker suggests starting a conversation by mentioning something the person has done or talking about a recent talk they gave, creating a context for the conversation.

Q: How does the Netflix Rule benefit the person being approached?

The Netflix Rule humanizes the person being approached, making the conversation more enjoyable for them, as they want genuine connections rather than being put on a pedestal.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker shares a personal story of regretting not approaching an admired author at a conference, highlighting the fear of being seen as unworthy.

• The "Netflix Rule" suggests that successful individuals, no matter how impressive, are still human and have relatable activities like watching Netflix.

• The mindset change of viewing successful individuals as fellow humans helps to break down barriers and allows for better interactions.