#theask

As I've been completing this BizDev internship, Saad and I have talked extensively about sending good emails and connecting with people. Although none of you are in sales, you all probably have one or two people you follow and would eventually like to meet/talk to. As a result, I just wanted to share a couple of the things I've learned about sending better emails to people you want to interview:

Make it short. No one likes a long email, and that extends to people even busier than you. If it's over 1 or 2 short paragraphs, figure out a way to be more succinct. 

Make it about them. After all, this is a person that *you* want to talk to, so make sure your email demonstrates what you know about them and why you want their time. 

Make a connection. If you have a person in common, ask them for an introduction or mention them in your email. If you have the same hobby as your desired contact, mention that. Connect with them on something other than "hey, I like you, please talk to me."

 Make it clear. With an email like this, you are definitely making an "ask." You can do this one of two ways: slyly and covertly, or openly and honestly. Always go with the latter. It shows that you respect their time and intelligence, and it lets them know exactly what you want. If all you need is a short phone conversation, ask for that - don't let them think you need an hour of their time when 15 minutes on the phone will do.

Saad is a Master of the Ask, and I would recommend talking to him if this is something you struggle with.

THE FIRST ASK

A verbatim account of a recent email submitted.  Feel free to copy and reiterate this is a concern of yours as well to your local representative. 

I am a parent and co-chair of RPS Action Squad. It has been brought to our attention recently that students walking safely to school is an issue. This was recently solved at Holton Elementary and we want to see that it gets addressed and solved at all of our schools. So why write our city council members and not school board? Rest assured they are being asked for help as well. I understand from the recent success at Holton that the power to add a crossing guard and crosswalk lies at the intersection of traffic and RPS police.

What we are asking: All RPS Schools should have a safe walking and biking path. Telling kids that riding the bus is not a solution to this problem.

What we want you to do: 1. Survey your schools by driving by, calling Principals, asking your constituents and see who has a problem with safety. 2. Let us know the status, we will keep an updated list. 3. Help us get crossing guards and crosswalks where they are needed.

Sarah Milston 5th District Co-Chair RPS Action Squad rpsactionsquad.com @rpsactionsquad

sent on 10/29/13 by email to City Council, School Board, Police Chief, Mayor, and City Administrator