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Cold emailing (or DMing) to build your network is hard.
You're offering yourself... which means you need to be creative. Your outreach is more dependent than ever on thoughtful research.
You have to be authentic in why you're reaching out. Don't ask to pick their brain about a topic. Literally cut the phrase pick your brain out of your vocabulary. Focus on something their doing that's actually interesting to you.
Be specific.
Not sure what I mean? Here's a few from my DMs
"I'm reaching out because I'm interested in startups"
"I'd love to hear how you started Lavender"
"How have you thought about culture"
I don't have time. The person your emailing doesn't either.
Don't be offended if someone offers to spend time with you over DM either. That's a win. They could have easily ignored you.
The truth is most questions can be answered digitally. Strike up a conversation. The conversation can lead to a longer phone call or an in-person meeting.
Also, if you want them to make an introduction... you have to build the connection first.