My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Number Two Guy Network Strategy
Build relationships with the second-in-command people (assistants, business partners, right-hand people) who have 98% of access with 2% of the attention load
How It Works
High-status people delegate access through trusted lieutenants. These gatekeepers are less busy, more accessible, often more interesting, and control who gets through.
Components
Identify who the key lieutenant/assistant/business partner is
Build genuine relationship with them first
Provide value to them personally, not just transactionally
Let them introduce you to the primary person when appropriate
Maintain the relationship regardless of access outcomes
When to Use
When trying to access busy, high-status individuals or their networks and opportunities
When Not to Use
When you specifically need the decision-making authority that only the primary person has
Anti-Patterns to Avoid
Example
“Getting access to NBA players through their business managers, or reaching podcast hosts through their producers who control booking”