Posted via web from tallulah’s posterous
Scream.
Yes, you have permission to freak out and scream like a little girl…during the concert, but when you actually get to shake the hand of your idol/modern-day hero, strike up a convo during his after-set cigarette break, here are my personal Do’s and Dont’s to share:
Do: Admit you are a fan. Say you appreciate their work, that you strive to follow their example. Heroes appreciate this flattery. Some even live for it. You may think they get it all the time, but whether they do or not, I assure you that praise does not get old nor tired for those who deserve the adulation.
Don’t: Admit you are stalker. Saying you value their talent is one thing. Saying that you knew they bought a piano on Tuesday (a fact not Tweeted nor Facebook updated) and wanted to ask how the tone of the piano sounded is not advisable. I would still be mindful of the information you read from Tweets or Facebook Updates that you choose to regurgitate back to your idols in-person. “So, I read on your Twitter that you ate that massive burrito at Tepayak….those things are masssssive!!…cool.” Be sure to pick topics that are actually topical and can result to a genuine conversation.
Do: Ask about recent, known, innocent news. So you heard your idol just signed a deal with X or just finished a gig at X.
Don’t: Ask about recent, known, scandalous news. Pretty obvious why NOT to do this. If you don’t understand why this would be unadvisable, check to see if you have a super wide angle digital SLR camera hanging around your neck because remarks like these are symptomatic of the paparazzi. And you know how stars just love them!
Do: Say it was nice to meet them, and go in for the kill if you’re up for it, Tiger. Now “the kill” sounds a lot more bold than it needs to be. If you can secure an acknowledgement of your future attempts of connecting (via online/phone/in-person) then that is considered a “kill” — taking their card, asking for 15 mins on the phone or in-person to answer just one question, asking if they wouldn’t mind keeping in touch via Facebook or email regarding that project you just talked about. Only go for the kill if you had enough time to establish that rapport. You would have needed to have discussed a shared project, issue, or expertise which would benefit from his continued mentorship or quick attention. Without this, end with a smile, a handshake, and a memorable line or anecdote, then exit with grace.
Don’t: Play aloof, call them a nickname you just made up on the way out, and trip on a piece of railing. Why not? Because that would suck. Especially the nicknaming thing. “Okay, cya Danny Boy, Peace in the Middle East!” Yeah. Total DBag. Don’t be That Guy. Just don’t.
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