I recently had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Neil Patel a few weeks ago in Seattle. I’ve heard many things about him, but I admittedly have never been able to differentiate the facts and fictions of Neil. Is he really kind of a big deal? Could he possibly help me become as cool as he is?
There’s a lot that you can do when hanging out with Neil Patel. If you’re looking to have a fun night – Neil could be the guy. But, if you’re looking for valuable help, business education, AND a fun night, Neil’s definitely your guy.
Here’s a 7 step guide to help you get the most out of hanging out with Neil Patel:
Step #1: Pick a convenient location
Fun Fact: Neil enjoys room service
Prior to travelling to Seattle for business, I had to figure out the best way to squeeze a large number of meetings within a small time-frame. Factoring in commuting times for a city I’ve never been to, Neil made the location for our meeting easy for both of us. He lives in the Hyatt Olive8 (yes, he’s balling), equipped with a bar, pool, spa, and a restaurant.
We met at Urbane, the hotel’s restaurant. Conveniently near my hotel, Urbane is literally Neil’s first floor, so he was comfortable enough to walk down at 9:30pm with fluffy slippers and a friendly smile. Picking a convenient meeting location definitely helps Neil become more helpful.
Step #2: Buy him a drink
Fun Fact: Neil’s favorite drink is Grey Goose (vodka) soda.
When hanging out with Neil Patel, it’s always best to cover the tab, so prepare accordingly. Thankfully, it was only a Tuesday night, so I knew I’d be avoiding any reenactments of Shane Mac’s Friday night drinking sessions with Neil (if you didn’t know, Neil Patel is Shane Mac’s bi***). Order a vodka soda for Neil, some tequila for any fine lady friend he’ll be with, and be prepared to have fun and learn.
Step #3: Let Neil know how he can be helpful
Fun Fact: After we ordered drinks, the very first thing Neil said was “So how can I help you?”
My colleague quickly countered with the same question back to him, and I’ll get into that a bit later.
But how could Neil be helpful to us? Neil is a very connected person and kind of a big deal, so as my company is looking to aggressively grow our own business, we naturally asked for some introductions. Since meeting with Neil, he introduced us to Intuit, Train Signal, WhitePages, and Tribune.
The introductions he made can potential bring in well over a hundred thousand dollars a year into my company. And best of all, the people he introduces you to are decision makers, so you won’t have to waste your time getting in front the right person.
Step #4: Learn from Neil
Fun Fact: Neil is excellent at selling upper six-figure to lower seven-figure deals.
Conversation quickly progressed onto even more interesting things. Topics of discussion moved from selling to networking to partying to growing up as an Indian kid. Some of my key takeaways were:
- For larger deals, selling is all technique. Just because you can close a million dollar deal doesn’t mean that you can close a thousand dollar deal.
- Success is achieved through hard work. There’s no easy road to being successful, and nobody has ever achieved anything with a sense of entitlement.
- Success is also achieved through networking. While raw hustle can get your business pretty far, a little help from powerful people can take it further. It pays to take the time to meet as many people as you can, and build the value of your network accordingly.
- Neil was sometimes fed meatless tacos as a child.
- Neil likes living in Seattle because Washington has zero state income tax.
While many of the things that I took away from our conversation were things that I’ve heard before, it was good to hear it again from Neil. It helped me realign and focus my own personal and professional goals, and set me on my way to become as cool as he is.
Step #5: Ask him how you can be helpful to him
Fun Fact: Neil loves retargeting.
Back to us helping Neil. Neil’s a good friend of the company and has already provided many helpful introductions for us (yes, he really is kind of a big deal). With that, we are his retargeting provider of record.
Ever see this ad around the web?
Yes, it’s powered by my company. He simply asked us to give him more impressions. Done… and now more people can be cool like Neil.
Step #6: Talk about your favorite kinds of slippers
Fun Fact: In Neil’s heyday, he used to only wear dress shoes.
As we got up to end our night, we noticed Neil wearing giant fluffy slippers with a pair of Happy Socks. We started talking footwear, and his knowledge of the subject is actually amazing. At a quick glance, he was able to name the brands of shoes that my colleague and myself were wearing. Be sure to compliment Neil’s socks and fluffy slippers at the end of the night.
Step #7: Action Items
Fun Fact: Neil’s big deal status is no joke, so he’s generally very busy and forgets to do things.
As with any meeting, it’s always smart to end the night with action items for both parties. Neil promised to introduce us to a few companies, and we promised to increase his retargeting budget. Within 48 hours I followed up with him to remind him what he needs to do and then I also gave him what I promised.
And like that, I greatly upped my coolness in just one night. Neil provided some valuable introductions to my team, and all I had to do was buy him some drinks. If you haven’t hung out with Neil before, I recommend shooting him an email and setting up some time to do so.
Like he did with me, Neil can help you get on your way to becoming a big deal too and maybe he’ll even give you an “I’m kind of a big deal” t-shirt.
Conclusion
If you want to grow your business, I highly recommend that you setup a meeting with Neil. You’ll be surprised on who is willing to help and he truly doesn’t care if he gets anything in return. He just loves helping people and really doesn’t even need anything in return. Heck, he even tried to pay for the bill as we were a guest in his town.
If you want to learn more about Neil or how he can help you, leave a comment and I’ll do my best to answer you.
About the author: Samir Soriano is NY grown, Lehigh rassler, digital artist, and ReTargeter’s director of marketing.
This amazing course will teach you, step by step, how to double if not triple your traffic over the next 30 days.
And Neil hates being photographed? He seems to have just two photographs splashed everywhere. Or maybe that’s a strategic move.
Haha, sometimes it is necessary
Nothing like a couple of drinks to make everyone more relaxed
That’s definitely true. Calming after a long day..
Or starting in the morning to feel relaxed all day?
)
I wish I could do that…
I think Neil is just human and I believe he will stay that way
no way… I know Neil… he’s definitely not human, maybe more of a cyborg
Half man half cyborg .. kidding. I just like to keep things simple, honestly
cyborg ,ha ha ha ,what can I say now:)
but Cyborg’s don’t drink..
or there motors will burn out.. 
hahahahahah common mate he had offered u a drink
haha you guys are too funny : – ). Rohit, I am not in fact a cyborg, I just work extremely hard as if I were one lol. Jelena, thanks for your kind words, much appreciated.
It’s nice to be hearing again from you. Thanks for the wonderful information. you always provide your readers with relevant articles. I wish I can hang with you at some point in time. Thanks for sharing.
Definitely, thanks for taking the time to read the article!
Neil if you come to Australia I will buy you beer
Thanks, really appreciate that!
Slippers ? Actually, my mom knows my feet’s size and always buys these for me
That’s awesome! I should ask my mom lol
SF to Seattle Road Trip to meet Neil Patel! Who else is in?
I’d be down.
LOL, awesome guys.
I know how great is Neil but he always keep things very simple. Got to learn a lot from him. Thanks for the share…
Shilpi Singha Roy
Online Business Virtual Assistant
Thanks Shilpi, always appreciate your kind words
In my personal experience “drink” is an initial step of taking help in business
, because drink makes lots of thing easy.
A drink is a great way to wind down and relax.
After reading this post i got some smile on my face
Thanks Snap, appreciate it
Some cool stuff to know about you niel. May be the next time i get to meet you, I will follow the steps as instructed
Thanks, sounds like a plan
This is very interesting facts about neil. If you are helpful sooner or latter you will get your deserved recognition.
Being helpful and industrious are great qualities to have.
Loved your 11 Rules… it takes a certain type of person to keep giving – even after people just keep taking. You’re a special guy Patel. I enjoy your emails.
Thanks Rico, much appreciated
Did you ask him if there is any food in his refrigerator? Last time we spoke he had no food in there; just ordered food
Haha, it was great meeting you at BlueGlass Melissa
Hi Neil you are successful entrepreneur and your works r really inspirations for all youngster and yup for me also …i like your way n guide pls keep it up …
Thanks Prahbat, appreciate the kind words. Good luck!
I think that in business is of crucial importance to create a substantial network and the more your network talks good about you the more money you make as people trust you. So I would be honored to take a drink with Neil if I happen to be in USA or you in Italy. Ciao
Definitely, networking is what it’s all about. Thanks, I’d be honored as well
Grey Goose? step it up Niel.
Haha, everyone has their favorite.
Also the mirror picture between your side bar and the main image is a little too much Niel for me.
Not sure you are talking about. But thanks ?
Me too thinks the same way
@Neil – Look at the main picture of this post and then on the right side, you have smaller, same picture in another direction. Kind of looks funny.
By the way, why don’t you get photographed? Would love to see the latest Neil Patel.
I see, thanks for pointing it out. I will see what I can do about getting an updated photo for you guys.
He is busy and you expect him to give us time :p
I always have time for my readers
I have email him and asked question as well as re posting a article he wrote, he gave a quicker response that I even thought was possible. He is way more responsive than I would have ever expected with his schedule.
Thank you for your kind words, appreciate it.
So you guys are the ones to blame for Neil Patel stalking me around the Web!
Just kidding. Nice job, I returned to the blog to see what Neil is up to because of that banners.
Nice blog buddy, keep it up!
Thanks Pedro, appreciate the kind words
My Dear Friend Neil,
At first glance of this article I thought you were suffering from a massive narcissistic episode. But after reading this I realize it’s very advantageuos for your readers to get to know you better. This is a very interesting way of doing that.
Transparency is huge on the web, so rock Neil
Definitely, I always try to be transparent. It’s something everyone should expect of each other.
Very humorous. The Retargeted ad is interesting. Perfect lure for any site!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the article.
Awesome, you have to love someone who is confortable enough AND confident enough to wear fluffy slippers. More guys could gain from just that little step….if in Dallas I will buy you SEVERAL drinks….enjoyed…
Haha, thanks Debbie. Good luck with your ventures
I read this post originally because I wanted to procrastinate from actually doing work. But then I learned about ReTargeter, which helped me get my job done faster.
Step #8: Copy what Neil does to be successful.
Haha, thanks. Glad I could help Josh
Great stuff again, Neil. As they say “in vino veritas”.
Love your style and sense of humor. Thanks for showing people that it’s ok to have fun while being successful. Would love to linkup on my next trip out to the rainy city.
Peace in Greece.
Thanks, really appreciate the kind words. Hope all is well in Greece
HA! Neil,
I definitely knew you moved back to Seattle because of its low taxes and not because of the negative people you used to hang out with in San Diego, http://www.quicksprout.com/2011/08/16/how-to-control-your-emotions/
Cool post tho.
There were a number of reasons I moved back. However, it largely had to do with getting more focused on working and building my business. Good guess though
Really good info, especially because I hope to be able to meet Neil one day, or maybe my business partner will meet him first since he grew up in Seattle, he travels back there from time to time.
Thanks again for the info.
Neil, whenever you’re down in the Los Angeles area hit me up and I’ll have a drink waiting for you.
Haha, Thanks Rob. I will keep that in mind. Good luck!
I have a nickname for your Neil.
BIG Deal Neil.
What do you think?
LOL, it’s nice. Not sure if it will catch on though
Hi Neil & Mr. Retargeter Guy,
Last December I was looking at getting a new Subaru and in January I picked up a new Outback. So I did a lot of research on the web looking up stuff for Outback’s and various other cars. Now all I see when I go to and a page an ad comes up for some local place selling Subarus, sometimes it’s a place way far away in Oregon, because I wondered if I bought it in Oregon with no sales tax would I save $4k well that wasn’t really the case so I scrapped that idea, but I’m still seeing Oregon Subaru’s all the time. And Subaru ads everywhere I go. It’s so annoying really, i mean why can’t you right click on the thing and say “I have purchased this item” please stop retargeting me or show me something new for chrissakes. Can i reset my browser?
What fixed it for me right now is I used to use Chrome to browse all the time, and now I don’t cause these huge ads on the top on the sides all saying SUBARU LITHIA OREGON GO NOW YEH……thanks i have one please market me something else.
Try using some ad apps on Mozilla, I haven’t tried them because I don’t have the problem. However, I hear they work well.
Your meeting with Neil Patel was similar to my meeting with Neil Patel…well almost. A couple of buddies and I were going to Seattle for a little R&R. I had recently read on his blog that he moved to Seattle so i decided to shoot him an email in hopes of meeting with him. To my surprise he agreed to meet with me. We met at Urbane and had a few drinks. I showed him my cartoon and we joked around a bit. However, I didn’t ask him for a favor (what did i do with his email address). Anyway, my friends still talks about how down to earth Neil is. And how he’s kind of a big deal. Also, all of my friends follow Quick Sprout (2 more followers yeah) and follow him on twitter. There are many lessons I’ve learned from Neil Patel. One of them is, making yourself available to others when time permits. You never know what a few laughs and drinks will do to help promote your business.
Love the cartoon, I youtubed it the other day. Love the name even more Bum Bum Jones. Thanks
Neil
If your ever in Orlando I will buy you a Goose and soda.
I am a big fan of the Goose,Try Goose on the rocks with a lime wedge very nice
Like what your doing thank you for everything..
Pete Kici
Thanks Pete I will definitely have to try that concoction.
Samir, it sounds like you had a great meeting with Neil. I didn’t realize he was in Seattle (a very cool city!). Your article was *very* well written, and you’ve conveyed a very good impression of Neil and your meeting. (And, of course, now we all know if we ever meet him in person, to be sure to compliment him on his slippers! ha ha)
Definitely some good times. Yep, I have been here for about two years. Glad you enjoyed it, I think he did a nice job as well. Hahaha yes please do!
Thanks Neil
Thanks for reading
One thing for the guys who don’t get a chance to meet Nail, If you mail him some good stuff, he really will revert you back, May be reply is short, but he will read you mail and responce back.
Haha thanks, My name is Neil not Nail
Its wonderful to know more about Neil.
Thanks
So if I follow steps 1-7 “I’ll be cool like Neil?” It’s always a pleasure knowing more about you.
Yes, you will
. Thanks for reading 
I guess personality does count in business. Even trivial things about you can inspire people. I know I am. Thanks for the article.
I think personality and a willingness to help are always great qualities to possess.
If you have a great personality you can get along with anybody, and that means that you are able to close deal very easy.
I agree, it is much easier to close a deal with someone you get along with, then someone you dislike.
Neil:
Always fun to hear what your up-to. So what’s Neil’s diet look like on a typical day eh? Sounds like your assistant makes pretty healthy food for you.
Definitely, I am very health conscious and aim to eat well.
Neil loves to hear new idea, Specially business ideas.
That is definitely true.
I havent seen my friends in a while because i have been going through depression. But i cant tell them that. So i need a goo dlie to tell them where i have been in a while… Something adventurous
You can also just be honest and forthright with them, a friend in need is a friend indeed. Hope you are feeling better
its nice to have someone nice to talk to and to spend free time with
Definitely, having people to talk to and share experiences is essential to happiness
Neil Patel,
Maybe one day we might have a drink and have some chat ,
it will be a great enterpeaneur chat ever.
Definitely, would love to chat and talk about somethings. Good luck!
Now I just have to find a day to hang out with Neil.
How about friday at 2 pm?
I will have to see my calendar, why don’t you go ahead and email me?
I would be honored to meet you someday. I will keep this in mind if I’m ever in Seattle. Never been but I’ve heard it’s an awesome city.
Great,
Sounds good, Seattle is definitely a great place, I would recommend visiting if you get the chance. I am always willing to meet up and help out when I am in town and have time. If you are ever in town shoot me an email neil@neilpatel.com.
its nice to have someone nice to talk to and to spend free time with
Definitely, that is the essence of life…company!
i have admired by you Neil you are really trying to help the people who all in need
I try to do what I can for who I can. I am a big believer in karma. So I try to do good when I am able to.
Would love to meet you and may be you brush some of your greatness on to me. Who knows…….
I would really love to meet you one day Neil…
hey neil,
it’s nice to read about you. i am very glad to know about you. your posts and replies to comments show your helping nature, indeed.
Thanks.
Matt
It’s nice to be hearing again from you. Thanks for the wonderful information. you always provide your readers with relevant articles. I wish I can hang with you at some point in time. Thanks for sharing.
Very humorous. The Retargeted ad is interesting. Perfect lure for any site!Thanks