[Summit07]

Hey Everyone,
So I wondering what everyones take is on the best way to connect with key decision makers like CEO's and stuff. Here is the process I use which I adapted from the book Accidental Salesperson.

First step is to research a company, find the person in charge and send them some articles with information relating to their business like industry trends. Along with these articles I'll send my card with a note like "Here are somethings I think you should see" I'll usually send two of those.

Then I'll send a letter asking them to meet with me and saying that I'll call to set up the meeting. Since most letters are opened over the trash I'll usually send along a lottery ticket to perk their interest and to set it apart.

After that I wait a few days then I'll call the business and here is where I run into problems. It seems whenever I call and ask to speak with the decision maker, it seems like the decision maker's gate keeper has never even seen my articles or letters because they were stopped by some other gatekeeper below them.

So what I'm wondering is should I try and contact someone lower on the ladder like HR? The only concern I have with that is when it comes to signing the contract, usually the HR doesn't have the power to make that kinda of decision. Which leads me to believe it would just be easier to get in touch with the real decision maker in the first place.

I hope this makes sense and you'll be able to point me in the right direction or to the flaws in my system, Thank you!