The successful venerate the successful far more than the ‘unsuccessful’ do.
Stars are more star struck than anyone else- because that is what they yearn to be.
To manipulate a star- simply have him be told what to do by a bigger star. Nothing funnier than a waiter who doesn’t give a shit about Bruce Willis- he doesn’t want to be a star- and in fact pissing off a star is more amusing than kissing his butt.
This is why having all the outward signs of success will commend you to people who crave success- but not necessarily to people who don’t, ordinary folk etc.
If you want to be venerated by successful people, act really successful. Then people will want some of your success. These people may even help you to become really successful, but if your acting is good enough what will be the difference?