Israel Schachter; How to Connect with a Celebrity

If you’ve read my book Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen, you know that connecting with celebrities was a huge part of my business. 

While I’m blessed to work with some of the biggest celebrities on the planet, I’m no different from anyone else. 

The truth is, if you wanted to start a business like mine, you could. While many may not believe that statement, I would beg to differ. 

On the latest episode of The Art of Making Things Happen the Podcast with me, Steve Sims, I spoke with another bloke who has made it his business to connect people around experiences.

Like me, Israel Schachter has worked with some of the biggest stars on the planet. His mission is to leverage his power of networking to connect people through charitable endeavors and unforgettable experiences.

He shared the skills and traits that have helped him connect with some of the biggest celebrities in the world. 

Authenticity

If you want to connect with a celebrity, you must understand this mantra: Your integrity is your currency. 

The first step to getting to a celebrity is to be real. And if you’re not real, they will smell it in a second. 

To connect with anyone, not just a celebrity, you must be authentic, honest, and agenda-free.

Your connection must have mutual benefit.  

Purpose

When people ask Israel to connect them with this celebrity or that celebrity, his answer is always the same — Why? 

If there is no purpose, there’s no point!

Celebrities spend their time with a tiny circle of people. While many people have access to them, they aren’t a connection. 

To connect with a celebrity, you must have a higher purpose that is mutually beneficial. Getting a selfie backstage is not mutually beneficial. 

Introducing your child to a celebrity as a dying wish is mutually beneficial. While the meeting may be similar, one has more purpose.

Now purpose doesn’t have to be about fulfilling a dying wish. It could be as simple as wanting to learn more about the individual beyond their celebrity status. 

Connection starts by being genuinely interested and offering a mutual benefit.

The Art of Making Things Happen

Israel spends his summers helping children with cancer fulfill their lifelong wishes.  

However, sometimes, not every introduction goes off without a hitch. 

He recalls one summer when he had a group of teenage cancer survivors all set to meet Drake when he got word that the meet and greet was canceled. 

The day before, he helped another group of teens meet Will Smith on the set of Suicide Squad, and everyone had a great time. 

Rather than telling the kids they couldn’t meet Drake, he took them to dinner, brought them to the show, and attempted to figure out the rest. 

As luck would have it, Will Smith was at the show, met the new group of kids, and then helped Israel fulfill the wishes of meeting Drake.

After asking Drake’s agent, his bodyguard, and even Drake’s mother, he still wasn’t afraid to ask — and sometimes, that’s all it takes.

The Power of Asking

Israel and I understand one crucial networking skill — never be afraid to ask. 

If you’ve been thinking about approaching a celebrity or another famous person, be authentic, have a purpose, and don’t be afraid to ask. 

You may get rejected, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it happen. 

Consider other angles, and be persistent. Use Isreal’s story from above as inspiration to keep going. 

Just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons and adding value.

Would you like help with contacting a celebrity for charitable fundraising, event planning, travel, or hospitality? Israel can help.  

For more great interviews about business, entrepreneurism, and more, please check out The Art of Making Things Happen Podcast with Steve Sims.