phone, letter, or email??

P

powerdog

Veteran
Which do you prefer for an initial biz contact to someone you have no connections with? Let's say you want to pitch an idea....I'm leaning toward a letter because they're so unusual these days.
 
My first sales job I sent an email and my manager told me "An email isn't a sales call"

Get on the phone and make voice-to-voice in order to secure face-to-face.

I get hundreds of emails a day and unless I know you, you get deleted quickly.
 
I would send a letter telling them to check their e-mail and in the e-mail tell them when to expect a call.

But seriously, I do not think you can beat a phone call for first contact method.
 
Call and arange a time to meet.

E-mail is for communicating with people you know - this can of course include the client once there is a business relationship.

- Mikko
 
Usually I use email as a first contact only if I can legitimately put "Referral from ___" (mutual friend/colleage who'll be instantly recognized) in the subject line.
 
Phone call for sure. If you're looking to pitch an idea, you won't likely find anyone willing to receive anything in written form.

While a director might discuss an idea with you, few producers want to expose themselves (save for... David... oh, but that's another story) to unsolicited material or generally anyone without representation.

When we hear a pitch or receive supporting collateral, it is from someone who has signed a submission release prior to even the first verbal exchange. Usually, we try to engage their representative / agent in the conversation.

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Call me on the phone for anything other than arranging a meeting, and I'll blow you off. Or hang up. Or let the machine get it, listen at my leisure, then delete the message.
 
letter is very formal and impersonal
email is very informal and far too personal
phone call or meeting in person is just personal enough and very professional

just put yourself in the other person's shoes: what would you think of someone who sent a letter to establish a contact? or an email? or a phone call?

my experience is that you have a far better chance if you know someone who has some connection with the person you're trying to connect with and use him/her as a reference. then you're past the innitial screening/shredder process.

mor10
 
For screenwriters, we go by this rule: Look for a production company that is
looking for what you are selling. This is crucial. You have an idea for a rom-com
and you pitch your idea to a company that only produces horror, you are wasting
your time and theirs.

RESEARCH production companies and then inquire by phone if they are accepting
pitches and find out what you can do from there.

Production companies get FLOODED with unsolicited material that makes it
to the X-File (trash). Email, letters will mean NOTHING unless you've checked to
see if they are accepting ideas from unproduced filmmakers/screenwriters.

Research, research, research prodo companies.
 
For those who advocate phone calls, how do you get past the gatekeepers (secretaries, etc.) when you're an unknown entity to them?
 
Be friendly and say who you are when you call. If there is a real risk you won't make it past this person then you might first send a short letter on nice stationery to the person you want to contact and let them know when you will be calling them about a proposal in which you think they may be very interested.
 
I think it all depends on the individual you're trying to make contact with.

For instance, I once got a job as a 1st AD on a feature in NYC by sending a stranger an email. Through a short series of email exchanges, he hired me without even a phone call. He told me that's just the way he operates. Most letters/packages he receives end up in an unopened pile.

I'm not saying one way is better over another. I'm just saying you never know. So it might be best to try all three methods. See how someone responds and then go with that.
 
powerdog said:
For those who advocate phone calls, how do you get past the gatekeepers (secretaries, etc.) when you're an unknown entity to them?
Click to expand...
It's especially nice if you get a recommendation from someone so you can drop that person's name when you make the phone call. If not, just make the call, let the 'gatekeeper' know what you want, and follow their instructions for further contact. Be prepared. Don't stumble all over yourself when talking. Sound like you've been there before...

I've found that for myself, the best way to make and initial contact is by phone. The last couple of times I was then told to send an email and they told me what to put on the 'subject' to make sure it made it to the intended recipient.
 
A letter won't work, they are unusual because most people don't have time or take time to read them especially if they are work related. I have found that e-mail work best, followed up by a phone call if needed... Something like: " Here is who I am, this is what I can do for you, let's talk"... Kind of thing... I like to schedule my phone calls. I also include a link to my demo reel.

I did used a gimmick once, about 10 years ago, which was, to my own surprise, very successful. I was fed up with the company I worked with, and was looking to "jump ship". It was the end of March, so I decided to send my demo reel along with an Easter basket, full of chocolates and goodies. The response was incredible. Got a new job along a 40% raise. All companies responded, of course some didn't necessarily have a position open, but all responded letting me know how much fun the basket was, and some of those people have become clients years later. Of course I like to think I am pretty good at what I do as well...:)

I also had a friend that once sent a resume on a bottle of wine in place of the label, he got a job as well.

Of course the chocolate or the wine won't get you a job, but I think that sometime being a little bit out of the ordinary and packaging yourself a bit differently (maybe even with a sense of humor) helps. It make people look at you twice.
 
Bottom line, I guess, is that it all depends on unknowable factors, like what the recipient prefers to get. But I don't imagine that a phone call after a letter or email is any less effective than just the phone call. Worst case, you're starting cold either way.
 
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