When I started my search, I left loads of voicemails requesting to meet.  Most went unanswered.   So I switched to sending my invites to where people spend most their time: the Blackberry.

In the toolkit is a template for a networking e-mail to set up a meeting, this format lead me to get about 90% of my e-mails returned and meetings set up.

The template explains in more detail, but here’s why I think it works well:

·         Using the person who referred you in the e-mail title – gives them a reason to open the e-mail

·         It’s very short, only two scrolls on a blackberry

·         It is very focused: Why am I writing, What I seek to do, What is the next step

You will notice in the template, that I do not give any of my background or attach a resume.  The focus is to get a meeting, save your background for when you meet.   Though there is one trick for getting your background, read “The Stealth Resume – Your LinkedIn Profile URL”.