Get to the Point!

Over the weekend I got an unsolicited email which really caught my eye and got me thinking:

Subject: Better Website Traffic
Message: With your permission, I would like to explain how I can get more relevant people to visit your site. Let me know if you are interested.

This message is short, but exactly to the point. This mail is respectful in that they are asking for my permission and it's all about me, not one word about how wonderful they are.

Why not use this succint type of approach in your job search and networking. Consider how powerful this message could be to a very busy Senior Manager:

"With your permission, I would like to explain how I can significantly increase sales in your North Western Region. Please let me know if you are interested."

or

"With your permission, I'd like to share some ideas I have about expanding "Company Name" into the higher margin large format arena. If you are interested, we can organise a brief meeting or phone call."

or

"If you have a few moments, I would like to share my ideas for increasing productivity on your Man Roland 700 line. Please let me know if you are interested."

Then add your name, phone number, email address and nothing else. Instead grab their attention with your short message.

You will get mixed results, some won't follow up, but some will be intrigued. When they call or write, keep the focus on them... your solutions to their problems. Once they are hooked into believing you have something of value to offer, then it's time to understand if they are interested in recruiting you. If not, that's OK, in the very least you have both made a valuable contact, and the interaction has mutually respectful.