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Initial direct message on ACP; What do I say?

Veteran

Jesse Schweizer Tacoma, WA

Hi, I signed up with ACP tonight after an article on LinkedIn reminded me. I immediately found the profile of an 'Advisor' here who I would find value in talking with, so I opened a message to send.

I stared at the blinking cursor and realized that fingers weren't moving.

Blank.

I looked at the FAQ--nothing. I used the search box a few times--no results. I decided to reach for the 'ask a friend' lifeline. Here I am. Here you are. Let's do this!

So, for both Advisors and Veterans, what has someone said in an initial message on ACP that resulted in positive response?

20 September 2016 6 replies Mentoring

Answers

Advisor

Nicole Winston Eden Prairie, MN

I think you need to approach it (as silly as it seems, hear me out...) like a dating site.

Introduce yourself, who you are, a little bit about you and then let them know what stood out about their profile and why you felt they were a good fit to seek assistance or answers from. Be direct about what information they had in their profile as an advisor that made you write.

Let them know what information/help you are looking for (please be specific) and ask them if this kind of thing/topic is something that would be comfortable (and able) to (kindly) assist you with.

I would highly advise against requesting them to reply back to you on your personal email address until they offer the option up OR you have had a considerable conversation going AND you have a purpose to take the conversation off this site.

Maybe it is because I am a woman, but when I get an email from someone asking for advice and they throw out their email address to me (either as an FYI or asking to take the conversation off of this site) it makes me question the intent of the person (are they ---very sadly--- trying to impersonate a vet to get information out of good hearted people, are they looking for something more or different than what they portray, etc.). That being said, not all people are as private about their personal contact information as I am, but I still think it is a respect thing to not expect to take the conversation off of this site (especially right away) without a significant purpose.

Good luck to you and thank you for your service!

22 September 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Bob Molluro Wilmington, DE

You have already gotten some good advice. I would also recommend that you shave and improve the picture you have posted. I recently was working with a young man who was interviewing within his company which is quite large. He was told to dress casually for the interview. I told him to shave his beard and wear a very professional business suit as that would separate him from many of the candidates. I probably have interviewed more than 200 people in my career and I can't remember taking anyone seriously who didn't look the part of an eventual senior manager. The long story short is of the sixteen candidates who interviewed for the position he got the one offer. It probably didn't hurt that we did some practice interviews and some good research on the company. I know this may sound old school to some especially all the twenty somethings that are running around with facial hair and tattoos. Those things may impress your girl friends but they come across as a negative when you are trying for a corporate position. Don't believe me. Get an annual report and take a look at the top executives. People tend to hire in their own likeness. Don't kill the messenger.

3 October 2016 Helpful answer

Veteran

Brian Richardson Columbus, IN

Hi Jesse,
What is it you are looking for? Career search, entrepreneurship? I guess I would tend to be honest with what you are looking for or hoping to achieve...even if that is simply someone to bounce ideas off.

I would be as specific (at this point) as possible. Too many times, I see people that ask things like, "I need help." or "how do I start a business?" That is so broad it can be hard to give support. And there is nothing like a good old-fashioned phone call too...once you've at least made an initial contact.

If I can be of help, feel free to reach out.

Brian Richardson
tcp@thecompanyproject.com
www.thecompanyproject.com

20 September 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Steve Salinger Plymouth Meeting, PA

Good morning, as a mentor my experience was quite different. I completed a questionnaire and ACP searched the data base for an appropriate protege for me and similarly a mentor for the protege. This worked very well and took the hit and miss process out of working with someone. 6 months into my friendship with Brian I would recommend you pursue this method. Good luck. Any questions please contact me at smsal52@gmail.com

20 September 2016 Helpful answer

Veteran

Jose Vasquez Stockton, CA

I called two. One did not answer to my e-mail. The other one I e-mailed me dressed me down. Told me to that I need to contact the program coordinators to get matched-up. I am new to the program so this was kind of discouraging!

Advisor

Robert Jurasek Hollywood, FL

Dear Jesse,

One of the beautiful things about the ACP AdvisorNet is the very informal setting, where Advisors try to assist Veterans with their questions on career transitions, résumés, or anything else.

A simple introduction is all it takes. The more information that you provide, the better the Advisors will be able to respond. I read the questions from the previous week, every Sunday morning, and I respond to those where I think I can assist. The Advisors are here for you-- just tell us how we can help.

Thank you for your service!

Sincerely,
Bob Jurasek

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