Three Things: Four times NOT to reach out to execs to sell or network

Getting in front of executives is very hard. Four times not to try: 1. After a big announcement or achievement - When a professional buys or sells a company, announces a big win or raises money, it can be the busiest time for them. Add to the work the avalanche of congratulations, job requests, long lost friends and sales pitches, and our message is easily lost. 2. After an appearance. People do press or conferences for a few reasons: To promote their business/selves, to help a cause they care about or as a favor to a friend. Some conferences do a terrific job of allowing to 'meet the speaker' but even then, it isn't the time for a pitch 3. Upon a career change. When an exec takes a new job, think about the amount of work they have in front of them. Every other sales person has the same triggers, read the same trades, and call them at the same time. We get lost. 4. After a partnership announcement with a competitor. A company goes through a process choosing a vendor/partner, gets approval for that partner, and is now on the hook for their success. Think about the optics being displayed here. Are we rooting for them to fail? B/c that's what it sounds like