How to reach key people at big companies

This isn’t definitive, of course. But it’s certainly one of the methods I use to find people on the internet.

1. Start with a LinkedIn search. Enter the name of a company and watch what happens. You’d be surprised by how connected you are.
2. Identify people who are in your network. You will be able to see their names. If they are 2nd degree connections, use one of your friends to get in touch. If they are 3rd degree connections, continue to the next step 3.
3. Turn to Google or Bing and run a search for their first name, last initial, company and position. LinkedIn reveals a full first and last name to Google. Google will also reveal any personal web sites, Facebook and Twitter accounts. Depending on how high up in the organization this person is, you may also find an e-mail address. If you don’t find an e-mail address, proceed to the next step.
4. Look at the company’s press section. This step is optional, really. The reason to look at a company’s press or about us section is this: there will often be quotes from company big-wigs in their press releases. You can find the names of key contacts, but just as valuable, you can find out the company-wide email address format. Once you know that, you can e-mail at will. Or, do the next step.
5. If you can’t find it, guess at it — the e-mail address, I mean. Most companies use firstname.lastname@domainname.com. Many use flastname@domainname.com or firstnamel@domainname.com. Guess and send. It works!

Why use LinkedIn instead of Facebook?

LinkedIn is widely accepted as a way for professionals to connect with other professionals. Because many people also interact with their family and friends via Facebook, they may not take so kindly to you using it for business reasons. Go with LinkedIn. That’s why it’s there.