Honestly, there's nothing wrong with this, but here's something to think about:
While you were taking a picture with Tom Joyner or Denzel Washington or whoever, did you blow an opportunity to really network with them? Did you undermine yourself by being labeled a "fan", when you could have been labeled a "potential business partner"?
Remember that those who succeed in business are often the ones who learn to be different. So when everyone else is asking for a picture, why don't you try to be more innovative and productive?
Why not initiate a meaningful conversation about business, the economy, their industry, etc? A celebrity is human just like you - they have challenges and are always looking for solutions. So ask them about their challenges. Ask them about their opinions. If relevant, ask them if there are any services that they are looking for to enhance their careers. Most importantly, ask for a business card.
Being just another person who wants a picture with a celebrity will make you very easy to forget. On the contrary, it's very easy to remember the person who struck up an intellectual conversation and said something worthwhile listening to.
Great article. I just got back from the 2010 Fantastic Voyage for the Tom Joyner Foundation so it hit home. The Fantastic Voyage gives fans as well as entrepreneurs opportunities to make things happen.
ReplyDeleteDante I completely agree with you. I would rather give them (the celebrity) my card and try to set a meeting date with them then just taking a picture.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea. However, the reality is that “A List” celebs like Denzel rarely carry business cards. In fact, A List artists and actors are so “big” that they have to direct you to a publicist or manager who may or may not have a business card either. In lieu of lying to you about being in touch, the goal is to limit access. If you know how to get access to them w/o a business card, then you may be worth their time.
ReplyDeleteA “B List” celeb like Tom Joyner is more accessible and you may be able to give him a 30 second elevator pitch at a red carpet event. However, be sure to ask, “What is the best way to follow up?”
If you are constantly in an environment to get THAT close to celebs, it normally means that you’re with the media, a publicist, a sponsor, industry manager/official/professional (attorney, CPA)/staffer (stylist, makeup artist, personal assistant, event planner, etc); a relative or favorite groupie. Either way, you only have about 10 seconds to get anything from them including a pic, a twitter handle or a website. Why? Because they are usually "working"; meeting people--usually more important than you such as sponsors, business partners or the media. So if you don’t need the picture to build your credibility (to prove to your audience that you have access to exclusive events—think White House crashers) then go for finding who the gatekeeper is in the crew.
Generally speaking though, it's just usually in poor taste to approach a celeb about business opportunities when they are out in public. As a public figure with a high net worth, they are constantly being solicited for all things including sex and money via “business ventures”. As such, they tend to tune out to strangers working to strike up a conversation about business, their industry or the economy. All while you are talking, they are waiting for an axe to fall that leads to them spending money with you…
Different from business and other professional networking events, celebs function best behind closed doors. Why? More important than being remembered is being TRUSTED!
Want to make a deal with a celeb? Find a way to get introduced by a mutual friend, business associate or find a way to schedule a meeting so they can focus on your pitch and make an informed, engaging decision. I would tell you how to do that, but then everyone with ill intentions will follow suit. For now, just stick with getting great pictures! :o]