Being in the presence of billionaires can be an exhilarating experience. These individuals have achieved extraordinary success in their respective fields, amassing wealth that often seems unfathomable to the average person. However, interacting with billionaires requires a certain level of decorum and respect.
Hungarian-Canadian top family office executive to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNW) and dubbed the “Billionaire’s Genie,” Aron Moldovanyi knows how to behave around them after spending over a decade managing the lives of some of the wealthiest people on the planet. Leveraging his professional experience, Moldovanyi shares five crucial etiquette rules for interacting with billionaires, listed in descending order of importance:
5. Assume Familiarity: While being respectful is important, it is equally crucial not to overstep boundaries by assuming undue familiarity. Addressing a billionaire by their first name without an invitation to do so or delving into overly personal topics can come across as presumptuous. Maintain a level of professionalism and deference, especially in initial interactions.
4. Discuss Personal Finances: Avoid discussing personal finances, investments, or business deals unless explicitly invited. Billionaires often face scrutiny and speculation about their financial decisions and may prefer to keep such matters private. Engaging in discussions about money can be perceived as intrusive or tactless, potentially creating discomfort or offense.
3. Flaunt Extravagance: While showcasing one’s own success or possessions may be tempting, ostentatious displays of wealth can be off-putting in the presence of billionaires. Such behavior can be perceived as crass or insecure, whether it is flashy attire, excessive name-dropping, or flaunting extravagant purchases. Focus on meaningful conversations and genuine connections rather than superficial displays of affluence. Do not brag, and do not try to impress them.
2. Underestimating Their Intelligence or Influence: The most crucial rule when interacting with billionaires is never to underestimate their intelligence, understanding, or influence. While their wealth may be the most visible aspect of their success, billionaires often possess keen business instincts, strategic vision, and unparalleled drive. Treat them with the same level of respect and deference afforded to any accomplished individual, acknowledging their expertise and accomplishments.
1. Solicit Favors or Investments: Approaching billionaires with requests for favors, investments, or sponsorships without establishing a genuine relationship or understanding their interests can be seen as opportunistic and disrespectful. Billionaires are inundated with such requests, and bombarding them with unsolicited proposals can be perceived as intrusive or presumptuous. Instead, focus on building rapport and demonstrating value before broaching such topics.
Wrapping Up
Navigating interactions with billionaires requires a balance of respect, professionalism, and humility. By adhering to these etiquette rules, Moldovanyi believes one can build meaningful connections and relationships with influential individuals while avoiding the pitfalls of presumption or insensitivity.
Ultimately, treating billionaires with the same courtesy and consideration as any other person is proper etiquette and a reflection of one’s own character and integrity.
