One thing we're not going to do: we're not going to cold call.
Business expert Matthew Rechs, in his blog post "Making your network work," makes that abundantly clear.
He says you should make lists of people you know, and people you admire, and begin reaching out to them with very personalized messages, thoughtful messages. It's your best shot.
Photo by R.D. Smith on Unsplash
You might do the outreach on LinkedIn, or you might try SMS if you have their phone numbers. There's 2025 data that people significantly respond to - prefer even - SMS over email, especially when it feels personalized, which your outreach would be.
The Introverted Networker agrees that starting with a good list is the way to go, then branching out from there, noting that the "principles of building and maintaining the list remain the same," from an old-school Rolodex to a high-tech CRM of today.
Not everyone will respond but some will. As Rechs says:
Remember that quitting is the only way to fail. All other paths — other habits and practices that put you in touch with people who can support your career and business growth — will eventually lead to success.
Think about it from your own perspective. When you hear from someone you haven't heard from in a while:
- How does that make you feel?
- Do you have the urge to help them?
- Are you willing to hear them out?
- What do you need to hear to want to help them more?
