Make It Their Idea

One way to ensure that you do not look opportunistic when asking someone to help you is to make the assistance the other person's idea. Instead of dumping a script on someone you barely know, go out for a beer with him or her a couple of times. Use less formal settings to let the person know your aspirations, and seek legitimate advice from that person. If the person likes you and perceives that you are sincere and talented, he or she may offer to help you. It often works like a charm. Take it from Lloyd and Crow—two of the top people in their respective entertainment fields—the best connections are those built around friendship, trust, and sincerity—not by desperately throwing your request at someone during a fleeting or contrived opportunity.