Cold to Warm in Three Messages

Cold messages fail for the same reason cold calls fail: they ask for something before giving anything. Three messages, sent over three days, almost always outperform one well-crafted essay.

Message one — the mirror

Tell them what you noticed about them. Specifically. "Saw your talk on supply chains in Lagos — the bit about informal markets stuck with me." That's it. No ask. No link.

Message two — the gift

Send something useful 48 hours later. An article. An intro. A counter-argument. Something they'd be glad to receive even from a stranger.

Message three — the door

Now you can ask. Keep it small: 15 minutes, one specific question. People say yes to small, specific things from people who've already been generous.