Back in touch: 5 ways to reach out to others (without being creepy)

Most days, you probably come across people who stand out more than others. Whether you meet with them at work, see an update on LinkedIn or read their

status on social media, you may be enamored by the work they’ve done or the title they’ve earned. Whatever the reason, there are countless people who may be able to share some advice and life experiences with you but you’re not quite sure how to approach them.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Most successful people like hearing from others, as long as it’s not excessive and overbearing. Here are five ways to contact someone you admire:

1. Don’t ask for a job: Want your query to be ignored immediately? Then go ahead and ask if your potential contact can help get you a gig with his or her company. Initial contact is not the time to ask for a job. If you’re trying to establish contact with someone, there are numerous ways to find commonality without resorting to a crass request for a job to a person who has no idea who you are.

2. Find common ground: The more unique and specific the common ground, the better. Perhaps you and the person you are contacting work in the same industry. Maybe you’ve worked for the same company. Maybe you have common contacts or people you admire. Mention that in your initial message as a genuine connection can be a real icebreaker.

3. Make it professionally personal: See, hear or read about them and then use that experience to make a connection. No, don’t set up camp in their parking space at work or send them creepy messages online. We’re talking about seminars or presentations they give to a larger audience, especially now that so many events are held online. If you witnessed an event where they were a featured speaker, point this out. Or maybe you heard them on a podcast or read about them on your favorite website. Mention what you learned from them or ask a follow-up question about something they said. Not only will they appreciate the fact that their message reached someone, they might enjoy the opportunity to engage with someone who wants to learn more about their philosophy or experience.

4. Talk about yourself — in moderation: Instead of coming across as a faceless fanboy, give your corporate hero a few facts about yourself. Explain who you are and what you do. Then write a sentence or two about why you’re reaching out in the first place. Finally, explain why and how that reason is important to you. If you admire someone for their ideas, mention your own quest to be innovative.

5. Don’t make it weird: No goofy photos of your idol’s face as your phone’s screen saver. No “I’d love to meet you someday” requests. You’re looking to make a

connection, after all, not get a restraining order. Reach out with a slightly informal tone that proves you’re human but not watching from the street. And no jokes or insults about others. Keep it professional.