How to build trust and get recommendations

By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter

EP 3090 You send that network email hoping to make that crucial connection, but all you receive are crickets and frustrating silence. Requests like “Can I pick your brain?” honestly feel a little lazy and have become background noise for busy people. This explainer breaks down a powerful alternative that actually allows people to react by completely flipping the script. Discover simple shifts in language to turn vague, onerous requests into super-specific, respectful, and nearly irresistible offers.

Stop applying, start planting: The executive job paradox

Well, we’ve all been there, right? You send that networking email hoping to make a connection that really matters, and what do you get in return? cricket. There was silence. So frustrating.

But what if the problem isn’t you? What if this was your invitation? In this explainer, we’ll break down a super simple, incredibly powerful alternative that actually gets people responding. Seriously, think about it. You will find someone who has had an amazing career.

You admire what they do, you write an email that feels perfect and polite, you take a deep breath, you hit send, and then nothing happens. You just want to know, did they see my message? What a deflating feeling. But you know what? This doesn’t have to be your story.

So why have these demands failed? Well, a phrase like, can I pick your brain? Or can we have a cup of coffee sometime? They just become background noise. For a busy person, these requirements are not only overused, but honestly a bit lazy. You basically let them do some work to figure out what you want and how long it will all take.

When someone is faced with this kind of ambiguous situation, the simplest answer is that there is no answer at all. But what if you could completely flip the script? The solution is what we call the 15 Minute Key. It’s a very simple shift in your language that turns a vague, somewhat onerous request into a super-specific, respectful, and frankly, almost irresistible offer.

Right here, this is your new secret weapon. Would you be willing to have a brief 15-minute conversation to get your thoughts and then fill in the blanks? See, this isn’t just a question. This is the core of the entire strategy.

You don’t ask for help anymore. You are proposing a clear, concise, and completely manageable exchange of ideas. So what is the magic power of this sentence? This really comes down to three things.

The unknown reason why you didn’t get the job

First, it’s simple and straightforward. No fluff. Second, it’s very respectful of their time.

I mean, come on, almost everyone can spare 15 minutes in their day. Most importantly, it gives a clear purpose. You’ve taken all the guesswork out of it, making it super easy for them to say “yes.”

But listen, getting them to say yes is just the first step. The true test of your professionalism, and the key to building real trust, is how you handle the conversation once you get the call. It all comes down to respecting the clock.

This number is not a suggestion. This is a promise. When you say 15 minutes, you have to mean it.

Sticking to this schedule sends such a strong signal. It shows that you are professional, organized and critical, and that you value their time as much as you value your own. So how do you accomplish this without embarrassment? It’s very simple.

You look at the clock. When you get close to 15 minutes, you politely take the lead and say something like, I know we’re at the 15 minutes I asked for and I want to respect your time. This is very helpful.

Thank you so much. The point is, you are the one who ends the call. This, this is where the magic really happens.

Because you’re the one who ends the call, you make an incredible impression. Seriously, don’t be surprised if they say, “No, no, it’s okay.” I still have a few minutes.

They may give you more time, but even if they don’t, they’ll be impressed by your professionalism. You have just built a real bridge of trust. Okay, you’ve got the call.

You made a lasting impression. Now, it’s time to upgrade. Let’s talk about the expert moves that turn a great connection into a complete network.

This is where this strategy really starts to pay off big time. A good conversation that is certainly valuable. But the path to more conversation would be a complete game-changer.

The Lazy Professional’s Guide to Succeeding on LinkedIn

Believe it or not, it all comes down to asking one simple question. That’s the problem. Before you hang up, you ask, is there anyone else you know that I should talk to about this? Whose insights do you value? Now, this last part is very important and you value its insights.

It’s not just a good compliment, it’s a filter. It matches the recommendation you requested, making it more likely to be a good one. You have to make this a habit.

You just need to do this. Ask this question after every good conversation. Now look, do they always have your name on them? Of course not.

That’s totally fine. But by keeping asking, you’ll greatly increase the likelihood that one connection will turn into the next. Never leave this opportunity on the table.

So let’s bring it all home. We’ve essentially done away with that old, broken, let’s meet for coffee strategy, and we’ve replaced it with a sleek, modern, respectful strategy that actually gets you results. Your new script really comes down to these three simple steps.

First, use a 15-minute script to lock in the meeting. Second, respect time and end the call on time. Third, always, always ask for smart recommendations to keep the momentum going.

That’s it. It’s direct, effective, and completely professional. So the only question left is, whose insights will you unlock in the next 15 minutes? Think about that person, that person you’ve always wanted to pick.

With this tactic, you’re not just asking for their time, but you’re demonstrating that you deserve it. Go ahead and unlock these insights now.

Prosperity Guide

About Big Game Hunter Jeff Altman

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