“The way to get their attention is to be relatable and show understanding “**Acknowledge their time**. You want to state that you understand that they are busy. This shows them that you understand their world and the importance of their time, and you aren’t here to waste it either. “I understand you’re incredibly busy and you must receive emails like this all the time, so I will keep this short and to the point.” “**Briefly introduce yourself**. Give details of who you are and what you do. “My name is Tim and I am an author. I came across your work, The Third Door, and couldn’t put it down. I read the whole book in 2 days. I felt like I could relate to all of the points and your stories, especially the one about not being able to talk to Larry King at the event. To give you some context about who I am, I am a tenacious, ambitious individual with a penchant for entrepreneurship and I am drawn to those who take risks to make their dreams come true. I work in sales, have a family and live in Singapore right now. I am a huge fan of your work.” “**Outline the context of the situation and make the ask**. I am writing my second book, Be The Lion, and would love for you to write the foreword to it. It would be such an honour to have your words begin the journey to help people overcome big challenges, create new habits and make their visions become a reality.” “**Be grateful**. Express your thanks and how specifically it’s them that you want. Show you’ve done your homework “I understand you’re very busy, and even if you can’t grant this request, I wanted to thank you for writing The Third Door. It changed how I approach situations in my own life when I am presented with moments of opportunity. I really do feel that your voice at the beginning of my book Be The Lion would set the tone to send readers on the right path if you could spare a few moments to write a few words.” ”**End with a one-line short request**. “If you find the time to read far this could you quickly just let me know if this is something you could consider?” “**Round off**. If the circumstance calls for it, close with a funny, memorable, and light-hearted few words. Something that shows your character and that you’re a real person, not an automated or templated message. “**Give your email a personalised touch**. “Here’s hoping I won’t need to come to your annual shareholders meeting to ask this in person like you did with Buffett.” “**Final thanks**. Then thank them and be on your way. “Thanks for your consideration of this request and I would be over the moon just to hear back from you. Best Regards, Tim Castle” “**Next, it’s time to practise patience**. Remember these influential people have busy lives and have probably been on 4 private planes and 2 super yachts since your email landed in their inbox. ([Location 4599](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B07WPDZQ9B&location=4599))” --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[sales]] , [[cold-calls]], [[communication-skills]] **Source** -- [[202407230921 - B - Be the Lion]]