Becoming Useful: The Smart Way to Connect with Powerful People

Look, networking isn’t about crashing parties or sliding into DMs with a pitch. It’s about earning your spot at the table. One of the most underrated strategies I’ve seen work, actually, is this: become useful before you even get close. It’s not schmoozy or fake; it’s genuine value creation that opens doors naturally. Let me break it down for you, drawing from what I’ve watched play out in real life with entrepreneurs, execs, and even some high-profile names who’ve built serious networks this way.

First, why does this matter? Powerful people, CEOs, investors, influencers, get bombarded with requests every single day. “Can I pick your brain?” or “Let’s collaborate!” just sounds like more noise to them. But if you’ve already proven you’re someone who solves problems or adds real value, you’re not just another person asking for something. You’re an asset. It’s like showing up to a potluck with the best dish instead of showing up empty-handed. People remember that, and it completely flips the dynamic: suddenly, they’re curious about you.

So how do you become useful from a distance? Start with real research. Don’t just skim their LinkedIn. Read their books, listen to the podcasts they’ve done, follow their work closely. For example, if you’re trying to connect with someone like a tech founder obsessed with space or AI, don’t tweet at them begging for advice. Instead, spot a gap in something they care about, maybe an underexplored angle on battery chemistry or regulatory trends, and create content or a tool that addresses it. Write a sharp, detailed thread on X breaking down the latest innovations, tagging relevant people but not necessarily them directly. If it’s good, it often finds its way into their orbit.

Then build something tangible. This is where the “useful” part really shows up. Offer free resources that line up with their world. If it’s a venture capitalist, pull together a clean report on emerging trends in their sector using only public data, smart synthesis, and no insider stuff. Share it on the platforms where they actually spend time, like industry forums, Substack, or even thoughtful LinkedIn posts. I once heard about someone who wanted to get on a well-known author’s radar. Instead of cold emailing, he built a fan site with clean summaries of the author’s key ideas plus infographics. The author noticed, retweeted it, and just like that, the conversation started. No ask, just pure value.

The trick is to make it low-effort for them. Powerful people are insanely busy, so your usefulness should be easy to digest and immediately helpful. A short video explainer, a curated list of the best recent resources, or even volunteering your skills for a project or cause they support. Think Gary Vaynerchuk’s old line: jab, jab, jab, right hook. Give value repeatedly before you ever make an ask. Apply it here: leave thoughtful comments on their posts, amplify their message without fishing for a reply, or quietly introduce them (virtually) to someone in your network who could actually help them.

Patience is non-negotiable. This isn’t an overnight hack; it’s planting seeds. You might spend months sharpening your own expertise and sharing it generously before anything clicks. And when it does click, don’t pounce. Let the relationship grow naturally. Once you’re on their radar as “that helpful person,” the opportunities tend to flow, event invites, casual advice, and real conversations.

One big caveat: it has to be authentic. If you’re faking usefulness just to get access, people at the top can smell it from a mile away. Focus on areas you’re genuinely excited about, so your contributions feel real.

In the end, becoming useful first turns networking from an awkward chore into a natural byproduct of your own growth. You get smarter, more skilled, and better connected without the cringe. Give it a real shot. Pick one powerful person whose work actually inspires you, then brainstorm how you can add value from the sidelines. Who knows, that could be the start of something big.