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Managing the Gatekeeper, Artfully - Ch 10 of Never Eat Alone

April 24th, 2007 by digerati

This is Chapter 10 of the Never Eat Alone series at Catch a Gideon. Points from Mr. Ferrazzi are in bold. I’m asking that you react to the quotes through comments. Share you reaction to each as well as your experiences in college and the real world.

Make the gatekeeper an ally rather than an adversary.

The secretary is not your enemy unless you make them one.  They give you access or deny it, and their opinion of you matters a lot in how quickly and whether you get in.  Treat them like a person and you’ll get much further.

The next day I called to say thanks for arranging such a wonderful meeting (to the assistant).

Always respect the gatekeepers power. Treat them with the dignity they deserve. If you do, doors will open for you to even the most powerful decision makers. What does it mean to treat them with dignity? Acknowledge their help. Thank them by phone, flowers, a note.

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Never Eat Alone“>Never Eat Alone is one of the best networking books written, period. Buy it now and follow along as Catch a Gideon goes through each chapter of the book.

Digg!

Some Related Posts:


  • Never Eat Alone
  • Discovery: Questioning for Results - Ch 6 of How You Make the Sale
  • Meet and Greet - Your Only Shot at First Impression - Ch 5 How You Make the Sale
  • Never Eat Alone Introduction
  • The Networking Jerk - Ch 6 of Never Eat Alone - Part 1
  • Research Prior to the Sale - Ch 4 How You Make the Sale Series
  • A Month with No Power
  • Closing: It’s Okay to Ask for the Order - Ch 10 How You Make the Sale
  • Don’t Keep Score - Ch 2 of Never Eat Alone - Part 2 of 2
  • My Month Without Power

    • 2 Responses to “Managing the Gatekeeper, Artfully - Ch 10 of Never Eat Alone”

    1. 1

      CT Says

      Isn’t this good advice when dealing with anyone in general? Don’t treat anyone like an adversary when you’re dealing with them, even if they really are your adversary.

      Apr 24th, 2007 at 7:24 am   

    2. 2

      Dane Says

      I just loved this post. I’m the assistant to high level exec. in DC. Because the perspective hires feel more comfortable chatting with me on the phone, by boss takes great stock in what my opinion of them is. When the person is exceptionally pleasant I do my best to get them noticed.

      Apr 25th, 2007 at 3:35 pm   

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