Network online, just not with email

There are two basic ways to network--in person and online. Networking on the internet is very powerful--however you MUST go about it the right way. See my previous post Guide to Networking online like a PRO.

Want to pitch someone something online? The main problem with email is that you are competing with people's time. Email is a chore, a hassle, a hatred and for big important people often very overwhelming. Let's call this important person Sir Charles. Sir Charles has 250 emails per day--25% SPAM, 50% things he's not going to respond to and 25% work-required. Guess where my unsolicited email goes? Let's just say Sir Charles isn't going to let my email require any work on his part.

He may read it, (quickly) and he may even respond (quickly)--but you most likely aren't going to get the response you are looking for. I've emailed about 25 people who I consider "world class" from Guy Kawasaki to Seth Godin to Jeremiah Owyang. I used Tim Ferriss' technique for emailing busy people. I asked them for a deliverable at the end--but none delivered. **I simply could not compete with everyone else in their inbox.**

Seth's response was this:

thanks Matt

alas, I don't do any boards, consulting, advising or investing

good luck

Matt, Thanks for your offer. I don’t think we’ll be able to work with you right now. Sorry! All the best to you.

Guy

The KEY POINT here is this: whether or not my pitches were of interest to them, there are better ways than email. When you email someone you are competing with close friends, family, very urgent messages, time constraints, and people that Sir Charles actually knows. There are a million ways to network online, cold emails should be your last choice! Even if someone gives you their business card, chances are, their inbox is going to be too flooded to answer that "nice meeting you" email.