Getting a meeting with Elon Musk can seem like an impossible task. After all, he is a world-renowned business magnate, engineer, and philanthropist whose time is incredibly valuable. Musk is currently the founder and CEO of Tesla Motors, SpaceX, SolarCity, Zip2, and The Boring Company of which he serves as chairman. However, given the right contacts, perseverance and a good idea, Musk may, at the very least, grant you some of his precious time.
Regardless of where you are in the world or what you do, the first step to get a meeting with Elon Musk is to identify and contact someone who is unknown to you. Well-known professionals like Musk usually have a long list of contacts and friends who are willing to act as intermediaries. However, before you contact anyone, make sure you have an interesting and unique idea to present to Musk. Keep in mind that the time he spends on you needs to be worth it and must be of his interest.
Once the idea is ready, then you’ll need to pinpoint actual contacts that can help you reach Musk. If a friend or relative knows or is connected to him that would be a great start. The friendships of Musk’s closest associates, colleagues, and partners are also good entry points. It may also be worth your while to look at any investor and board members associated with him. After identifying contacts, you’ll need to pitch your idea to those connection in order to advance.
In addition, many have found success in joining professional organizations such as the Young Entrepreneurs Council (YEC). YEC is a US-based non-profit organization that provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to engage in conversations with successful business people such as Tesla Motors Musk. A YEC membership may provide you the opportunity to acquire knowledge and influence.
Another way to get closer to Musk is by attending conferences, such as TEDx and SXSW. These events bring together powerful minds and entrepreneurs from all over the world, so if looking to get the attention of an influential business tycoon, TEDx and SXSW are great options.
Lastly, networking is essential when trying to build a relationship with Musk or anyone at the top. It can be done in various ways, such as attending events related to the industry, applying for job postings related to the industry, or asking advice from someone who is already successful in the industry. Networking is your best shot when attempting to draw attention from the likes of Elon Musk, simply because you can never make an impression unless you make the effort to meet new people and collaborate.
Knowledge Is Power
The competition when making contact with Musk is stiff and only the best of the best—those with the best ideas and well rounded conversations—stand the chance. Investing time in researching Musk, his companies, and his interests is an important factor to getting noticed. Staying on top of the latest news, current industry trends, and the technology space is vital to knowing what to speak about, should you enter a conversation with him.
Be sure to solidify your knowledge on these topics, as it’s important to know their potential implications. Speak in a way that shows that you possess the know-how of the industry and Musk himself. Keep your facts precise, use details when possible and show that you’re up to date on all the latest news. Remember, you must stand out from the competition.
Focus On What He Wants
Focusing on what Musk wants is an important factor when attempting to grab his attention. After researching, understanding, and being familiar with all the related topics, consider what Musk could be interested in from your project. Is it something that could improve current trends or benefit him and his companies in any way? Anything related to AI, renewable energies, better transportation, and more efficient technologies could get his attention.
Knowing very well what he wants is just as important as engaging him in conversation and allowing him to talk about his ideas. Be prepared to have a conversation that allows him to go into detail about the projects, and potential investments, he’s currently involved in. Make sure you’re genuinely interested in what he and his associates have already created and come up with unique ways to contribute.
Demonstrate Your Idea
When you do get the opportunity to present your idea, make sure you demonstrate it in such a way that it will capture his attention. Provide solid facts and keep an open attitude so he could easily understand what you’re pitching. Keep it concise and use industry terms – if able – in order to show your credibility. Don’t make false claims, be sure to show actual results from pilot programs and be transparent when it comes to details.
If portraying your idea or project as an incredible invention, explain what makes it different to other projects in the market. Show that you have invested time and effort in creating a valuable product or service, and prove why it can be of importance to Musk and his companies. Be well versed with the details and be sure to give examples, facts and numbers if needed.
Follow Up
After presenting your idea, give a reasonable time frame for Musks’ response and then follow up. Know that you may be meeting many times Merkel, so don’t be afraid to keep pushing, but be sure to remain professional and polite throughout your interactions.
As you build the relationship, take the time to find out more about Musk’s likes and dislikes. Show your enthusiasm for learning about them and make sure your interactions are bringing value to the relationship. It could be something as small as sending him an article from his favorite publication or some interesting headlines from the industry.
In addition, if you’ve already established some sort of relationship, show your appreciation and organize surprise announcements. These can be small gifts that show you care or big events like an anniversary celebration. Reaching out can also be done in such small ways as expressing thanks via a tweet.
Be Bold
If possible, come up with ways to make Musk notice you. For example, if your idea is disruptive and related to mobility, you could consider appearing on the news to show that you have something interesting and worth talking about. Another option could be to include him in your project in some way.
Aspiring entrepreneurs and inventors should also keep in mind the power of the press. Musk’s favorite publications, magazines, and blogs are not only his go-to source for news and information but also a way to get his attention. Reaching out to them and having your story appear on one of these platforms can be a great way to capture Musk’s interest.
Research Economical Alternatives
Once you have established a relationship with Musk and believe you can secure his attention in the future, it is important to research what the economical and financial potential of your project is. Be sure that you can explain in a clear and concise way the economical implications behind your project. Also, be sure to emphasize the importance of your return on investment and the potential in which your project could help accelerate the growth of his companies.
It is also essential to know the laws and regulations behind your business and industry. Always be aware of the rules so that you can keep up with the current affairs, identify the important topics to cover and answer promptly to any inquiries related to those subjects.
Be Prepared
Once you’ve demonstrated the worth of your project, you’ll need to ensure that you are well prepared for the meeting. First and foremost, be sure that you know all the details behind your project and all the parties involved in it. That way, should any questions arise, you’ll be able to answer them.
You should also devise a plan on how to present the project, and if needed, bring a demo or a visual representation. Be confident and try to address any potential issues he may have. As an added measure, think ahead and anticipate the questions that may come up.
Make The Most Of Your Meeting
If you have managed to arrange a meeting, it is important to make the most of it. Start by thanking Musk for taking his time to listen to your idea. Avoid talking too much and provide clear and structured responses when discussing your project. Don’t forget to be polite and to provide direct answers. Show that you understand the project and are prepared for the challenges ahead.
When the meeting starts to come to a close, make sure to emphasize the financial aspect of the project. Show your commitment to the project and explain the importance that his advisorship would bring to the global success of the venture. Lastly, even if the project seems to be interesting to Musk, he may not choose to invest in your project.
Capitalize On Your Relationship
Just because Musk doesn’t invest in your project, it doesn’t mean that you should give up. If a meeting has been arranged and you have demonstrated your project and its potential, take the time to build your relationship with him. Develop a strong connection and stay in touch on a regular basis. Share your progress and remind him of your project and its potential.
You should also take the opportunity to collaborate with people connected to him or his companies, as this will help to strengthen your relationship with him. Keep in mind that building relationships of trust takes time, so stay in communication and develop the relationship.
Always Remain Optimistic
Getting a meeting with Elon Musk is not easy, but it is not impossible. To make your project attractive, you’ll need to show conviction, enthusiasm, and dedication. Build your network and stay updated with his latest activities and advancements. Finally, never give up and remain optimistic until you make a breakthrough.
