How to meet important people in Silicon Valley (or anywhere else)

This post has been inspired by a conversation on VentureHacks Talk (3/16/10) in response to 5 things I “knew” (or should have known) before starting a company, but didn’t fully understand until now.

So, how do you become part of the Silicon Valley in-crowd?
First, there really is no such clique and if there is, it is incredibly transient.
Second, Silicon Valley is not an oligarchy, but rather a meritocracy!
And third, if you are smart, capable, intelligent, driven and socially not totally awkward, you can be part of the SV “in-crowd”.

Now, if you think you can email John Doerr, Paul Graham or Larry and get a meeting, think again. That is the equivalent of going to DC and trying to meet with Barack – it ain’t going to happen!
This post is meant for introductions to important people, but not the “Dignitaries of SV” .

Let’s get to it, how are you going to get quality introductions in silicon valley and become part of the in-crowd? Let’s assume you are planning to visit SV to meet with people for ideas/partnerships/funding/etc.

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How to cold-email me (or anyone else)

Since I have been added to Angellist @venturehacks.com, I have received three times the number of “pitch emails” than I usually get. This inspired me to write this post about how to contact me or how to contact anyone you don’t know and can’t get an introduction to.

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