To be honest, I'm cheating with this one - we're supposed to be talking about Networking and Initiative, so I doubled it up with talking to my iTeams iCOA - Mark Niemeyer from Caterpillar.
Below is the email I sent him and his reply - it's not the best of cold calls, but I figured I had a little bit of leeway since they're already iCOAs (and actually know what DC3M is)
Dear Mr Niemeyer
My name is Karmanya Aggarwal, I'm from the "Digital, Computers, Computations, Communication and Media" iTeam from the iEFX program at the University of Illinois.
My iTeam and I had some rather interesting ideas for micro-projects we could complete over the semester. I was hoping that we could sit down and discuss some of the ideas so as to get your input as an experienced engineer as to how feasible some of them are.
My phone number is XXX-XXX-XXXX, could you please call me whenever you get the time, or tell me when a convenient time to call would be.
Thanks
Karmanya Aggarwal
DC3M
xxxxxx@illinois.edu
His reply was -
Karmanya,
I will at Engineering Expo on Monday and Tuesday next week recruiting, I won't be available those days due to the activities we have planned. I am available between x:00 am & x:00 pm on xxxx and after x:00 pm on xxxxxx next week. I am planning on coming to the picnic on Thursday,. I am out of the office on day on Friday. I will have time the following week.
Let me know if any of those times work for you. We can meet either on campus or at our office in the research park.
Mark Niemeyer
Engineering Supervisor
Champaign Simulation Center
Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx
Internal Tie Line: xxxx-xxxx
Decatur Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx
Internal Tie Line: xxxx-xxxx
As to how I got his contact details in the first place - I displayed (as my iSA says) cunning. I asked.
So, Networking and initiative, check.
So, Networking and initiative, check.
I like the layout of your email.
ReplyDeleteI also applause that you stated clearly who you are, so that your iCOA can find himself a good reason why he should help you.
And if I were you, I would've also include some of the idea of the project as an attraction.
Anyway, Good luck with that!
Ok... Three questions:
ReplyDelete1. Why don't you tell him some of your idea?
Motivation: See what will happen if you do.
2. How about changing the background and other visual setting a little bit?
Motivation: To make me feel more comfortable next time I see this blog.
3. Did you get to meet him?
Motivation: As a reminder if you haven't.
I like how you chose your iCOA as someone to reach out to. Since you have a clear basis(being in iEFX), I can see that you will get a response really quick.
ReplyDelete1. Have you actually met him yet and how did the meeting go? I really want to know what ideas and thoughts he has.
2. Did you also find the typo in your iCOA’s response? I find it interesting that people in the professional world do not do a quick proofread of their emails before they send it. Maybe he might just be busy.
3. Were you expecting that he would actually set up a meeting time? I find it interesting that someone of higher status would set up a meeting to discuss ideas with someone below them in the hierarchy.
1.Like everyone else, Did you get to meet him and what did he say? I want to know how it went.
ReplyDelete2.I know its good to write some information about who you are, but did you really need it if he already knows about the program and what school that program is from?
3.Its just me but I feel asking for him to call you is a little rude. what other forms of communication could you have asked him to respond with?
1. So how long did it take for him to reply? Do you think you should account for this in planning projects? Trying to gauge just how busy these professional are.
ReplyDelete2. I agree with Shih-Hao don't you think asking for hom to call is a bit too forward? He would be very busy probably calling will take more time than email.
3. Did you follow up? If you did you thank him afterwards? I think its important to show that you appreciate their effort.