Monday, July 28, 2008

Respecting our Networks

Fay F. asks you, "What is the best way to approach our network of people--being mindful of their time and interest--when we need their help, insight, advice, etc.?"
* emails
* calls
* How to ask
* what has worked for you

Let us know your thoughts to this important question!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Emailing is the best way to approach all networks in the vast media business of Los Angeles. -- deb from halfcity productions

Patty DeDominic said...

I think phone calls along with good snail mail and email all work. Use each professionally and creatively in various sequences so as not to spam, or harass your target.

I found the frequency of call backs is low when people don't know you. Don't take it personally, just call again and make friends with the gatekeeping assistants or leave good detail, but not too long phone messages.
Take it upon yourself to make it easy for them to reach you without making a pest of yourself.

Christopher Lowman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Christopher Lowman said...

remember not to cast yourself in a subservient role, as if the other person is doing a huge favor for you. avoid being overly apologetic or prefacing comments with, "i know you're busy but..."

it's about give and take. and though you are taking this time around, you likely have a bank account of gives to draw upon. monitor the account balance though!

Salliemeta said...

I prefer to be contacted by email first with a note regarding how you were referred and what it is you seek to find out. Offer to do email exchange and set up a good time to do a five minute call. Referrals get faster action than blind inquiries, so if you don't hear back, send another note in about 10 days. I get about 300 emails a day so some do go missing. OR try a perfectly presented letter/resume sent by mail..getting rarer these days so a well done letter really gets my attention.

Anonymous said...

I really feel that a phone call is still a great way to connect with friends and professional networks. I try to blend calls, emails and even an occasional snail mail to make sure that people don't think I am spamming or bugging them.

RR from Select Staffing

Anonymous said...

I think email is respectful of someone's time but when someone never EVER uses the phone--that's questionable, too. So I would start with email but feel free to follow up from time to time with a phone call, too. Keep everything short and not too personal. In the meantime, think of articles, connections, etc., that the contact may find of interest--just don't inundate them too much...