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Back to Trends
networking
Accessing high-status people through their lieutenants becomes more valuable
Timeframe: Already happening, accelerating over next 5 years
What's Changing
As successful people become busier and less accessible, their trusted seconds-in-command become critical access points
Driving Forces
Increasing celebrity and status inequality
Social media making famous people less accessible
Business complexity requiring more delegation
Winners
- People who recognize and cultivate number two relationships
- Executive assistants and business managers gaining influence
- Those who provide value to gatekeepers
Losers
- People still trying direct celebrity outreach
- Those who treat assistants poorly
- Traditional networking approaches
How to Position Yourself
1
Build genuine relationships with key assistants and business partners
2
Provide value directly to number two people
3
Develop reputation as respectful and professional with gatekeepers
Early Signals to Watch
Executive assistants getting more recognitionBusiness managers becoming public figuresGatekeeper roles becoming more formalized
Example Implementation
“Instead of trying to pitch podcast guests directly, build relationships with their producers and booking managers who control access”