How to Ask for Informational Interviews

I get a lot of messages from folks looking for support and guidance, whether it’s about growing a speaking career, advancing in a role, or starting a business. I've reached to folks too and been turned down or ignored plenty of times. In hindsight it's probably because I didn't follow these guidelines: 1️⃣ Be specific. Instead of “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’m working on breaking into this industry and could use some advice on this specific challenge…” or “I’d love tips on structuring my keynote.” The clearer you are, the easier it is to help. 2️⃣ Be flexible. Someone recently told me, "I’ll meet you anywhere, anytime within 10 minutes of your house…”—and that kind of openness caught my attention. Remember, when you’re asking for someone’s time without cost, being flexible (and eager) goes a long way. 3️⃣ Be kind. It sounds simple, but a warm, genuine acknowledgment of someone’s time and expertise can mean a lot. Something like: "Hi [Name], I’ve been following you on LinkedIn, and your recent post about [topic] really resonated with me. I admire how you handle tough conversations. I’m facing a challenge at work and would love your thoughts. I promise to keep it under 10 minutes. I know this is a favor, so I’ll be as flexible as I can." 🌟 See how these three steps work? It’s about being specific, flexible, and appreciative. It makes it easier for the other person to say yes. 💡 Bonus tip: You don’t have to worry about offering something in return. Just be upfront about asking for a favor and express genuine gratitude. If this approach speaks to you, I hope it helps make your future networking asks a little easier!

Top 3 informational "interview" mistakes I see ... I have to be honest. I’ve had a lot of these conversations. I see the same missteps over and over. Doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or deep into your career. Why most people miss the mark: 1️⃣ They treat it like a job interview (it’s not). 2️⃣ They ask surface-level questions (curiosity is your superpower—go beyond “What do you do?" "Can you recommend me for this role?") 3️⃣ They don’t follow up (huge missed opportunity. Not just immediately but 3-6-9 months out). Here’s how to fix it: ✅ Shift your mindset—go in to learn, not to impress. ✅ Ask better questions—“What skills helped you succeed?” “Based on my background, do you think I’d be a good fit for this role-company-industry?” "What keeps you excited about your work?" “Where do you see this industry heading?” "Who else would you recommend I speak with?" ✅ Follow up—send a thank-you, reference something specific and keep the door open. This is a great time to communicate your hook. Small tweaks, big impact. The goal isn’t just networking—it’s creating connections that open doors. Comment 👇, what are some of the pitfalls you see in these conversations?

Here’s one of my favorite networking tricks. It helped me land more conversations than anything else I did. And I never had to email a "stranger" again. First, I’d land an informational interview. You have to find a way to land at least one to start. During the conversation, I'd be a sponge. I’d take in everything this person was saying, ask good questions, and build a rapport. Then I’d pull out the ace up my sleeve. At the very end of the conversation, I’d ask one specific question: “Is there anyone else you think I should talk to?” The results? Pure gold. Usually they'd recommend a friend / colleague and offer to make an introduction. Warm intros typically mean guaranteed responses, way better than my cold email rates! But sometimes they’d give me a name without an intro. In that case, I’d ask if I could mention them in the email - then I'd drop their name right in the subject line: "Referral from [Name]" That also led to a significantly higher response rate. The best part about this tactic is that it creates a flywheel effect. Every person you meet will lead to you a new connection or two. Over time, you'll be sending fewer cold emails and landing tons of warm conversations. Just make sure to thank each person who makes an intro for you along the way!