Confession:

I hate writing "cold" messages to influential people -- whether it's via LinkedIn's messaging feature or email.

(Or, at least, I used to hate it. Until I learned this.)

If you're like most folks I speak with, it makes you uncomfortable too.         

Remember how you felt, the last time you hit the send button on a cold email to a hiring manager or professional peer you wanted to connect with?

You spend the next day or so second-guessing your decision to reach out, and part of you is scared to check your email -- in case there's a negative reply -- only, you never do hear back, because your message is ignored, like always.

Reaching out to people cold just feels... weird.

(Especially if you're an introvert like me.)

I'd love to do my own thing in my office all day, and never reach out to strangers. But, whether we like it or not, if you want to get ahead in life and in your career and create new opportunities for yourself, you need to create relationships. There's simply no getting around it. And, often, that means reaching out to someone cold -- however awkward it might feel.

Here's the thing, though:

It doesn't have to feel awkward or nerve-wracking.

There's actually a specific way to reach out to any "VIP" -- whether we're talking about a hiring manager, a respected recruiter, a senior manager in your company, or a superstar in your professional field -- and this method makes it extremely likely you'll receive a prompt and positive response.

Even better, it feels completely natural. It's not in any way sleazy.

(This method isn't about using sneaky psychology or manipulation. It's about projecting nuance, understanding, and inside knowledge.)

Sounds too good to be true? It is indeed possible to get the attention of your reader if you know how to play your cards right. Now’s the right time to get noticed by hiring managers or any influential people you want to connect with.