How to Get a Meeting with Anyone | David Simnick | TEDxCornellCollege

Turning Rejection into Opportunity Growing up with resilient brothers taught the importance of perseverance, a lesson that translates to overcoming rejection in professional pursuits. The focus is on securing meetings and opportunities despite repeated setbacks or refusals. This mindset was pivotal when starting a soap-making venture aimed at addressing global hygiene issues through innovative solutions.

Building Impactful Business Through Persistence A simple bar of soap can significantly improve public health by reducing diseases like diarrhea and respiratory infections. Inspired by this, the speaker co-founded a company combining profit with purpose—donating soaps locally and globally while supporting sustainable practices abroad. Persistent efforts led from humble beginnings to partnerships with major retailers, emphasizing transparency via unique product codes connecting consumers directly to their impact.

Turning Strangers into Champions for Your Brand Success in building a brand or career hinges on the ability to connect with strangers and turn them into advocates. In today's economy, everyone must be their own entrepreneur, regardless of profession. Building connections involves reaching out effectively, creating mentorships that evolve into champions who promote your story and help you advance professionally.

The Power of Small Asks in Networking Overwhelming requests often fail because they demand too much from someone unfamiliar with you or your work. Instead, starting small—like asking for minimal assistance—is more effective at initiating relationships. This approach mirrors how trust is built incrementally rather than overwhelming others upfront.

The Power of the Small Ask Building meaningful connections starts with a small, simple request. Begin by asking an easy-to-answer question that takes only 30 seconds to respond to, making it more likely for someone busy or influential to engage. Follow up after implementing their advice and gradually deepen the relationship through consistent updates and incremental asks like short calls or meetings. Over time, this approach fosters investment in your success from mentors who feel responsible for helping you grow.

Turning Small Gestures into Big Opportunities A creative gesture can open doors even when qualifications fall short; persistence and maintaining contact build lasting relationships over time. For example, sending a symbolic item like a shoe with a clever note led one candidate not just to an interview but also future career support despite not landing the initial job. This strategy emphasizes starting small while nurturing genuine friendships with those seemingly out of reach—transforming minor efforts into significant opportunities through trust-building interactions.