You can change the minds of some very important people today: all you have to do is smile a lot and use your trademark witty charm. Important people want to be charmed just as much as anybody else, so flirt with them a little bit, flatter them discreetly, and give them something to remember you by. Of course, don't go too far with the camaraderie: you want them to respect you, don't you? Being their friend is fine, but being their protege is better.