Reaching busy professionals who avoid emails, skip phone calls, and ignore social media pitches can feel impossible. Whether you’re in sales, recruiting, or any role that requires connecting with hard-to-reach individuals, traditional outreach methods often don’t work. The key to breaking through isn’t just persistence—it’s about using thoughtful, creative strategies that make you stand out. This is especially important during the holidays, when a personalized touch or meaningful gesture can help you cut through the end-of-year noise. From identifying the right platform to creating memorable interactions, these actionable ideas will help you connect with those who seem unreachable while respecting their time and boundaries.
Find The Right Platform To Get A Response From Busy Professionals
The first step to getting a response is meeting people where they are. Some professionals are more likely to respond to a LinkedIn message than an email, while others may engage more on platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or even niche industry forums. For instance, I’m far more likely to read a thoughtful LinkedIn message than open an email, especially if the message is personalized and relevant. Timing also matters. Interacting with their recent posts, leaving meaningful comments, or sharing valuable content before sending a direct message shows that you’re genuinely engaged, not just spamming them.
Use Gifts That Are Thoughtful And Memorable To Build Relationships
The late John Ruhlin, author of Giftology and someone I had the privilege of interviewing, was a master of using gifts to make an impact. His philosophy was simple: gifts don’t need to be expensive—they need to be meaningful. If you’re unsure of someone’s specific interests, start with something practical but memorable. Many years ago, when I was in mortgage sales, I attached a sticker version of my business card to tins of Altoids. Every time my contacts grabbed a mint, they saw my face. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was effective. During the holidays, a small, personalized gift or handwritten note can stand out even more, creating a warm and memorable connection that fosters trust and opens the door for future conversations.
Suggest A Phone Call Instead Of A Video Meeting To Respect Time
The “quick Zoom call” has become the default for many professionals, but it’s not always the best option. For many of us, especially women, agreeing to a video call often means spending extra time getting camera-ready—hair, makeup, and a professional setup. What seems like a 30-minute meeting can quickly turn into a two-hour ordeal. A simple phone call is a much better alternative. It’s efficient, doesn’t require extra preparation, and allows for meaningful, real-time interaction. Offering low-pressure options like this shows you respect their time and increases the chances of a response.
Use Personalization Backed By Data To Improve Engagement Rates
Personalized outreach isn’t just polite—it’s effective. According to a study by McKinsey, 71% of consumers expect personalization, and 76% feel frustrated when it’s missing. However, personalization must be genuine. I often receive messages saying, “I like what you’re doing at [Company Name],” implying I lead a large organization, when I’m actually a solopreneur. Others suggest I should write a book or start a podcast, unaware that I’ve authored several books and conducted thousands of interviews. Such inaccuracies reveal a lack of effort and can be off-putting. To stand out, ensure your outreach reflects a true understanding of the individual’s work and achievements. This demonstrates respect and significantly increases the likelihood of a positive response. To stand out, make your outreach feel specific and tailored. Reference their recent work, mention shared connections, or tie your message to an industry trend they’ve discussed. A generic message is easy to ignore, but a personalized one shows you’ve done your homework and genuinely value their time.
Get Creative With Your Outreach To Capture Attention And Stand Out
When traditional methods fail, thoughtful creativity can make all the difference. The best gestures aren’t flashy—they’re meaningful and show effort. For instance, when I interviewed John Ruhlin, he sent me engraved Cutco steak knives with my name on them as a thank-you. While the knives were a lasting gift, I would have been just as happy with something small and inexpensive that tied into my interests. For example, a curiosity-themed puzzle that’s unique but not too difficult or a quirky desk toy that encourages exploration would stand out. The key is finding something creative and personalized that aligns with the recipient’s interests or values. During the holidays, a seasonal note paired with such a thoughtful item can leave a lasting impression and open the door to meaningful conversations.
Respect Their Time With Clear And Focused Requests
At the heart of successful outreach is respect for the recipient’s time. Avoid vague, time-consuming requests like “Let’s chat about opportunities” or “Can we discuss synergies?” Instead, be specific about what you’re offering and keep it concise. If you’re asking for a call, outline the purpose and keep it short. If you’re sharing content, make sure it’s relevant and actionable. When people feel their time is valued, they’re more likely to engage.
Reaching hard-to-reach people isn’t about persistence—it’s about strategy. By identifying the best platform, personalizing your approach, and respecting their time, you can create meaningful connections that stand out. The holiday season is an especially good time to use these strategies, but they work year-round. The next time you’re struggling to connect, try one of these methods—it might just be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.