What is the best way to approach a Senior Stakeholder for the first time?

1 Know your purpose

Before you reach out to a senior stakeholder, you need to have a clear and specific purpose for your interaction. What do you want to achieve from this conversation? What value can you offer to them? How does your request or proposal align with their goals and priorities? Having a well-defined purpose will help you craft a concise and relevant message that captures their attention and interest.

3 Choose the right channel

Depending on your purpose and the senior stakeholder's availability, you need to choose the most appropriate channel to communicate with them. Some common options are email, phone, video call, or face-to-face meeting. Each channel has its pros and cons, so you need to weigh them carefully. For example, email is convenient and easy to document, but it can be impersonal and prone to misunderstandings. Phone or video call is more interactive and engaging, but it can be harder to schedule and maintain attention. Face-to-face meeting is the most personal and effective, but it can be costly and time-consuming.

4 Be professional and courteous

Regardless of the channel you choose, you need to be professional and courteous in your communication with the senior stakeholder. This means using a formal and respectful tone, addressing them by their title and name, avoiding jargon and slang, and proofreading your message for errors and clarity. You also need to be mindful of the timing and frequency of your communication. Don't contact them too early or too late, or too often or too rarely. Respect their schedule and preferences, and follow up with them politely and promptly.

5 Focus on the benefits

When you communicate with the senior stakeholder, you need to focus on the benefits of your purpose for them. Don't just talk about what you want or need, but also what they will gain or avoid by working with you. Use facts and evidence to support your claims, and anticipate and address any potential objections or questions they might have. Show them how your purpose aligns with their interests and values, and how you can help them achieve their desired outcomes.

6 Seek feedback and next steps

After you deliver your message, you need to seek feedback and next steps from the senior stakeholder. Ask them if they have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, and listen to them attentively and respectfully. Thank them for their time and input, and summarize the key points and actions from the conversation. Confirm the next steps and deadlines, and agree on the best way to stay in touch and follow up. Keep them updated on your progress and deliver on your promises.