To obtain the lifestyle that only bling can bring, you need to be able to stand out and be noticed, but often time there’s someone more famous and popular stealing your limelight. So what can you do while you’re stuck being in the shadow? Neil from Quicksprout offers the following tips:
Networking
If you want to get to know tons of “powerful†people, one of the easiest ways to do this is to leech onto someone who is well-known. Well-known or famous people usually know other people who have a similar status. Hanging out together can get you associated with them and really help you make inroads with other big people. The trick is to always make sure you join in on conversations and make sure these guys know you are there. Just make sure your wit is drawing attention and not your obnoxious behavior.
Association
In most cases, the person’s shadow you are in will have a good reputation in a specific sector (hopefully the same sector you are in). For example, Darren Rowse is seen as a professional blogger and if you are always seen with him people might start to think that you are a professional blogger as well. Granted, you won’t been seen as more of an expert as the person who’s shadow you are in, but it is a good start for your personal brand.
Learning
You may think that there isn’t anything else you could learn in your field, but this is far from the truth. Being in someone else’s shadow gives you a sideline view of all of their accomplishments and failures. What’s better than learning from someone else’s experiences and replicating all the things that would benefit you?
Standing out
If you can stand out when seen in someone else shadow then you can stand out in almost any situation. If you are shy, this could be a great way to practice. The bottom line is that you are less likely to succeed if you just sit in the sidelines and watch everyone pass you by, so learn to stand out in this type of scenario and you’re all set.
I think i do this kind of shadow to one of my best friends.
I personally don’t think ‘leeching’ onto someone is a great idea, it may help but it’s the suckers way to gain popularity and you don’t truly achieve anything. That person you’re ‘leeching’ onto are well known for a reason whether it be his personality, charisma or sense of humour. Don’t be the hero’s sidekick, be the hero. Develop your own confidence to get into a group and socialize. Join clubs, sports, social events and just get out there. Shake hands and introduce yourself to those around you that you are not familiar with and catch up with those whom you are.
If someone’s shadowing you in a particular group or circle of friends, get out of there, meet new people and create your own circle that you can dominate yourself. Be bold!
Network is very important. Having those connections will really come in handy for those situations where you just can’t pull it off yourself. Standing out is very important as well and to get discovered, networking and assosiation is what you need to get noticed. The tips can be applied to everyone, I mean.. start early, get popular in high school, get to know everyone around you, cause you never know, chances are, there can be a few that make it big in their lifetimes.
-AllaN
I believe in the bold and the brave is favored by all.
A great place to know someone is a social clubs There’s is a social club here in Toronto called the Granite Club, where they have all sorts of gatherings, sports to dining, and recreation to just plain chatting. It’s a bit of an expense but here, its a very good opportunity to know some of the very big people in Toronto. If you can’t find a social club, parties are always another place of opportunity to network and associate yourself.
I guess you true you pick up attributes of those you spend time with, but eventually of course you’ll have to stand on your own 2 feet-just hanging out with someone is obvuisly not going to make youo successful.
Self-assessment! It certainly does pay to associate and network with in the right circle of people, but you need to self-assess to get out of that shadow! Learning includes learning about yourself – ask your closest friends and family for constructive feedback – read self-improvement books and articles and blogs!!! Learning also includes listening and watching for responses – the easiest way to know how to “make sure your wit is drawing attention and not your obnoxious behavior” is to gauge the types of responses you’re receiving. The giveaway is when people do the forced laughter then walk-away!