I managed to get the VP and CTO of a huge bank on a very successful call because I actually genuinely cared about what the VP had to say. These people are leaders in their industry. I bought and read his book and talked to him about it. Then had a phone call about it. Then asked him for parental advice. After about 2 months of this, only then did we start talking about work, which led to a meeting that got a big check. It helps that I was selling a very useful product, but still.
Relationship-building first is always a great strategy. Even worst-case scenario, you're left with great contacts who might think of you down the road at a different job, etc.
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