What was your name again?
We do live in a wonderful time. We have Google, LinkedIn, and every firm that is actually in business has a website.
I am always a little disappointed when someone reaches out to me and I realize they haven’t actually looked me up. Just exactly how much time would it take? If you type Matt Bud into the Internet, I’m pretty sure you are going to get a lot of hits.
Knowledge is power. In today's world there is honestly no excuse for contacting someone without taking the time to find out as much as you can about them.
If you are building your Inner Circle of Friends by using our Member Directory Search feature, you will find every member listing has a wealth of information that you can use to appear actually interested in the individual you are about to ask to share their address book of important people. To start out a conversation with some mention of the firms where someone has worked, their colleges attended or the city they live in is an easy way to get their attention.
If you are contacting people in the rest of the civilized world, Googling them is always a good start. Find out as much as you can about what drives them. What firms have they worked for? Research those firms. Have they published any papers or articles you can read?
The more you know about someone, the more likely you will be able to connect with them initially. And should you actually get to speak with them, you will be better positioned to pick up on the context of comments they make and be able to build on them.
Assume that others may not take the time to look you up. When you reach out to someone, always write a brief note of introduction. How are you connected? Why did you reach out to them? If you do your research, you will be able to say something meaningful.
I know it seems terribly forward, but when trying to establish a networking contact, always send a copy of your resume. Resumes are typically formatted in the same way, which makes them easy to scan. Yours may even clarify why the person on the receiving end should speak with you.
It may seem like a lot of work to do when you don’t even know if the person you are contacting will grant you an audience.
Humor me and take that risk. You will find it pays in spades.
Regards, Matt