How To Get Into VIP Events For Free
One of my first “millionaire lifehack” discoveries was an easy technique for getting into high-profile events. In other words, events that are either “by-invitation-only” or extremely expensive.
And I don't mean breaking out your Conan O’Brien mask or bribing the security guys. ;)
I used this “technique” several years ago to get into a high-profile marketing conference with a $10,000 price-tag where I mingled with the some of the world's top Internet entrepreneurs.
Recently, I did the same thing to get into a hot “by-invitation-only” fashion show in South Beach, Miami where I was surrounded with famous celebrities and gorgeous models from around the world.
The craziest part?
Not only do I get into these events for free, but it's actually ASSUMED that I'll get “VIP Access” to all the action behind the scenes.
Can you guess what I'm talking about yet?
The "technique" I'm referring to is volunteering.
Yep, offering to work without pay. After all, who doesn’t like a free employee…even for an evening?
Companies and organizations often look for local volunteers to help at events because it’s a big hassle to hire temporary employees, and too expensive to fly a bunch of current employees to the venue.
If you don’t already have the connections or the money to get into VIP events, volunteering can be the perfect “launch pad” for you. Focus on making just one or two solid new friends while you’re there, and you may soon find yourself in some very exclusive circles.
How To Do It…
Pick an event that you’ve been wishing you had the money or connections to attend. Or, use a search engine to find an event that you think would be an amazing experience. It could be anything from a writers conference to a sports camp led by a famous athlete. It’s your choice.
[Note: Your chances of hearing back are significantly lower when inquiring about volunteering at a high-security event. I tried volunteering for Obama’s Inaugural Ball and got nowhere].
Once you have chosen an event, browse the event website until you find an email address of someone behind the scenes. It doesn't matter who it is...even the guy in charge of set-up and supplies is fine.
Just contact someone.
Tell them you're interested in volunteering and that you would be happy to help with whatever they need. If you have any experience that would make you a great fit, include that. Just be humble and cool, and you should eventually get a friendly response.
By the way, don’t expect any glamour or special treatment yourself at these events. Remember, you’re there to work. If your assignments are boring or tedious, don’t complain…just do them diligently. It will pay off. Trust me.
In my experience, if you make friends with the people in charge and do your best to help them out, they will often go out of their way to make your time worthwhile by letting you experience the event as much as possible, and even giving you free stuff.
Try it!
[Jesse Lear is author of Millionaire Lifehack blog. Please comment or ask a question below and say what's on your mind!]
