I recently received a message from someone I hadn’t spoken to in over two years.

No pitch.

No agenda.

Just a short note saying that they’d been following my work and had a question they thought I might enjoy answering.

I responded within the hour.

Now compare that to the other messages sitting in my inbox. All the same version of:

“Wanted to explore potential synergies.”

“Thought it would be great to connect.”

“Would love to learn more about what you do.”

Unread. And likely to stay that way.

This is what networking looks like right now, and why the script you've been using might be the very thing standing between you and the conversation that changes everything.

It is not that people are too busy. It’s that most messages feel like they were written for anyone. And anything written for anyone rarely lands with someone.

The fix is simpler than most people think

Before you write anything, pause and ask yourself one question:

“Why this person?”

Not because they might know someone hiring.
Not because they are in your industry.

That is your goal. It is not your reason.

Maybe something they posted genuinely made you think. Maybe you share a background or a challenge. 

Start there. Specificity is what gets a message read.

The fastest way to get a response is to make the other person feel seen, not sold to. 

Ask a thoughtful question. Acknowledge something they've built. Show that you spent five real minutes on their profile before hitting send.

That alone will put you ahead of most people.

Keep it simple.

Three or four sentences are enough. Introduce yourself briefly. Share your reason for reaching out. Offer one clear next step:

A quick call.
A virtual coffee.
A question you would value their perspective on.

The goal isn't to land a job in one message. It's simply to open a door. 

People are busy. But everyone responds to authentic attention. 

And in many cases, one real conversation is all it takes.

But even when you get this right, there is another piece most people miss.

Who you are reaching out to matters just as much as how you reach out.

Networking without direction is just an activity. It feels productive, but it rarely leads anywhere meaningful.

The executives landing the best roles right now aren't connecting with everyone. They're connecting strategically, around opportunities that never get posted publicly. Over 85% of US leadership roles are filled through word of mouth. 

That means the role you want may already exist. It is just not sitting on a job board. It is inside a conversation you are not part of yet.

This is what we call the Hidden Job Market.

And if you are not tapping into it, it doesn’t matter how many applications you send or how polished your resume is.

You are simply not in the right place.

Remember: One conversation, with the right person, at the right time, can change everything.

Let’s schedule a free Vision and Strategy Review just for you. Click here: https://s.pointerpro.com/career-readiness

If you want more advantages like this to make sure your next role is a winner, you’ll enjoy our free LinkedIn Event on Zoom:  The Hidden Job Market – How to Land Your Next Leadership Role – Click here to register: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7361814334169042946/