The SINGLE biggest mistake people make when networking

How many millionaires do you know? Have you tried connecting with some of them and been shut down, or worse, told the polite version of eff off? 

I am not trying to sound conceited, I too am trying to meet a lot more of them and have made this one mistake many of times.

Truth is, millionaires and/or high performers (as I like to call them since a million dollars is overrated), have so many other important things to do than talk to you. 

So what did I do wrong and how do I attract these types of individuals?

It's simple: Stop asking and start giving. That's right. Provide value to other people and most people will want to inherently give value back. 

This leads me to another important point: Don't be transactional! Don't offer value expecting to get something in return. Do it because you genuinely and authentically have an interest in other individuals. 

Also, don't be a sleazeball and try to only connect with people that you think will be able to benefit you (goes back to being transaction minded). Add value to everyone you possibly can and be as good of an individual you can. You will be surprised with who Joe Shmoe (no offense to anyone with that name) might know in his network or how he might be able to help you back. 

Lets be real, you don't walk up to random strangers on the street and ask them "hey I'm just starting in ABC business, can you help me with XYZ". Why would it be any different with someone that is a high performer or successful in a certain business/career? Sure inviting someone to coffee or lunch is a good start but most top dawgs in any career field will be inundated with people trying to get a piece of their time. 

One more thing: All the people that post something along the lines of "Looking for a mentor in (insert city here)", or better yet, "Looking to partner up with someone..." should take a long hard look at what they are asking. Why don't you just walk up to the next girl you see and ask her to marry you while you are at it! 

Sure there will be some people out there that will accept your cheap coffee date as a bribe. There will also be folks that would mentor you/partner up with you. I would be VERY cynical about them being OK with committing to a random stranger, usually they want your $$$$. 

If you truly want to connect with folks then simply try to offer them value in creative ways and attempt to develop a relationship with them (you want to date someone for a bit before you ask them for their hand in marriage). 

Now what the heck is "offer value" and how can you offer something to  people who appear to have it all figured out? Another simple one: find out what their needs are! If you come up to almost any level headed investor, whether a big player in the area or not, and you have a deal under contract in an area that they buy in, they will most likely want to hear what you have to say. 

Lets bring it a little more basic than that since I realize not everyone knows what a good deal looks like. Let's say you heard hot shot investor talking in a meetup that he is looking to build a website and you happen to be a graphic designer or know of a good one, BAM! You just met helped him meet his need and you "provided value". 

If you just stay in tune with what other people need (and yes, that means listening to other people) then you will set yourself up to help others and provide value. Eventually people will reciprocate, especially high value individuals. It's programmed into us to reciprocate since the caveman days. Give and you shall receive, simple as that!