<p>I struck up a correspondence with one of my idols, a world-famous writer and investor (think Warren Buffett, Peter Lynch, etc.). We started talking on the phone. I will be visiting near his area and he suggested that I meet him for tea and go to one of his presentations at a local college a few days later.</p>
<p>I’m wondering if you might have any suggestions for the meeting. I am buying a new dress, have gotten copies of all his books to take with me, and have been watching interviews with him on YouTube.</p>
<p>I would like to bring him a present, and to make sure that I have something interesting to say when we meet.</p>
<p>Any suggestions? Any ideas to get over the butterflies?</p>
<p>Suggestion 1: dress professionally and relatively conservatively (no excessive showing of skin in inappropriate places). Re-examine your newly purchased dress from that perspective. I assume you are meeting a man somewhat older than you.
Suggestion 2: be yourself. Pretend that you are meeting a well-respected friend. Ask if you can buy him coffee/tea/whatever (I bet he’ll refuse and pay for yours, too).
If it is not a special occasion for him of any sorts, I would not bring any gifts. As far as the questions go, it will be up to you to come up with them. If you still have one of his books, you might ask him for an authograph. Have fun, and enjoy your conversation.</p>
<p>What are you curious about? Have questions for him ready–not interview questions, just honest questions that arise from your own thinking and curiosity. You don’t need to bring a paper with questions or a pile of books for him to sign. If you can, ask something that he will be eager to explain to you, so that he will enjoy the meeting as much as you will (which it sounds as if you would like). </p>
<p>The gift is your choice. If there is something that arises naturally from your previous conversations, such as a book or a gift for a new child, feel free to bring it; otherwise, I would probably hold back on a gift. The etiquette is the same as it is for one of your child’s interviews: if he is sitting with a drink already, buy your own and join him. If he hasn’t, offer to buy him one. He will almost certainly refuse and buy for you both unless he senses that it is important to you to pay, as it is for some people. </p>
<p>Most people love to talk about themselves, so ask open-ended questions about him and avoid talking too much about yourself unless he seems very interested. You will likely love to hear more about him. What about his first job? How did he feel, and how did he get his early promotions? How did he feel as he was rising up, and did he ever have any doubts? What about balancing work and family? What does he think about this current economic crisis? These types of questions–or any ones you are interested in–can likely get him talking. If he’s meeting with you, I am sure he is a great, friendly guy. So relax, have fun, and try to make sure you both enjoy your time. There’s no need to wear a new dress unless it’s appropriate for the occasion. You may look strange wearing a new dress to Starbucks, for example! </p>
<p>This is a great opportunity. Please, let us know how it goes!</p>
<p>I don’t think that a present is necessary. I think that a hand-written thank you note as soon as possible after each event is an appropriate and sufficient expression of appreciation. </p>
<p>In addition to being unnecessary, I think a present could be quite awkward and set the beginning of your time together off on an odd note. I would skip that. You can certainly send a warm thank you note after and, if a particular gift item occurs to you that builds on things you and he have spoken of, you could send a very small item then. Although I don’t think I would.</p>
<p>If your friendship/mentorship continues over the months and years, there will come far more appropriate times for a gift.</p>
<p>One more vote to lose the present and dress conservatively/professionally.</p>
<p>Its not clear why you are taking copies of all of his books with you. If you want him to sign them, then I suggest taking just one.</p>
<p>I think you should decide whether the relationship you are seeking is being a huge fan of X, having X mentor you, or ??. </p>
<p>I’ve had the opportunity to meet a few well-known actors and others in film and the arts. I think being respectful of their position, but not a blithering super-fan is the balance you want to achieve. You don’t want to talk all about you , but at the same time, you may have an interesting thing or two to say. Be genuine! I will admit that when I met Owen Wilson, I calmly shook his hand and said ‘I’m a big fan’. I’m hoping it sounded sincere (it was) as opposed to smarmy.</p>
<p>I think its also fine, to say ‘I’m very excited to meet you’ and then just relax and enjoy the conversation</p>
<p>I would not bring a present- however, a letter detailing what his work has meant to you would be valued I think ( but try and keep to under two pages)</p>
<p>I met Stanley Kramer at the Bellevue Square Mcdonalds, which is where Bill would have to go, as they closed the McDs on Bellevue Way.
However- I think he favors Burgermaster, although he can’t seem to remember his wallet.</p>