Your reputation gets built one valuable interaction at a time. Stop chasing. Start contributing.
I’ll tell you not such secret about closing deals when you’re just starting out – chasing makes you look desperate, and desperate doesn’t close.
When your reputation isn’t established yet, you can’t lead with the ask. You have to lead with value.
Busy, successful people know exactly how valuable their time is. They can smell a pitch from a mile away. So when you come in asking for their time, their money, or their attention without offering anything first – you’ve already lost.
I learned this the hard way. Early on, I’d send cold emails basically saying “give me 30 minutes to brag you about MY product.” Zero response rate. Why would they? What’s in it for them?
Then I flipped the script. Instead of asking “can I get on your calendar,” I started with “I noticed you’re dealing with X problem – here’s a quick solution that might help, no strings attached.”
Offer help first. Share insights. Give them something useful before you ever mention what you’re selling.
When I approach potential partners now, I lead with value. “Here’s data that might help your decision.” “Here’s a connection that could benefit you.” “Here’s an insight from our work with similar companies.”
Respect their time like they respect theirs. Don’t ask for a meeting to “pick their brain” – that’s code for “let me waste your time.” Instead, be specific about what you’re offering and why it matters to them.
The magic happens when you provide value first without expecting anything back. Some people will ghost you anyway – that’s fine, they weren’t your people. But the right ones? They remember who added value without demanding anything in return.
When you eventually do ask for the deal, you’re not a stranger anymore. You’re someone who’s already proven they understand their problems and can deliver solutions.
