We over-explain to prove ourselves. A good prompt helps you land the message with less: one clear ask, half the words.
Make the ask
Getting the conversation started
1 Ask someone at your company
For a colleague or leader you admire and want to learn from
You're my writing assistant. Help me write a warm, confident message (4 sentences max) to [name], a [role] at my company I genuinely admire. I'd like them to mentor me on [skill or area]. Say specifically why I'm asking them, make one clear ask for a recurring 30-minute chat, and cut any over-apologizing, such as "sorry to bother you" or "if it's not too much trouble."
2 Ask someone on LinkedIn
For someone who doesn’t know you yet
Help me write a short LinkedIn message (3–4 sentences) to [name], who doesn't know me. I admire their work on [topic]. I want to ask for a 15-minute virtual coffee. Not a job, just to learn how they think about [topic]. Make it genuine, specific, low-pressure, and easy to say yes to. No flattery overload.
Land it with less
When the draft is too long
3 Tighten a message I already wrote
When your draft feels too long or too apologetic
Here's a message I drafted. Keep my warmth and my point, but cut it to about half the length and remove hedging words like "just," "maybe," "sorry," "I was wondering if." End with one clear ask. Here's my draft: [paste your message]
Show up prepared
Before and after the conversation
4 Prep for a 15-minute coffee
So you walk in ready and leave with a next step
I have a 15-minute virtual coffee with [name], who is a [role]. Help me prepare: 3 thoughtful questions to ask them, 1 thing I could offer or follow up on, and a natural way to close with "based on our conversation, who else should I get to know?" Keep it conversational, not scripted.
5 Follow up and say thank you
The step most people skip, and how you stay memorable
Write a brief thank-you note (3 sentences) to [name] after our [15-minute coffee / mentoring chat]. Mention one specific thing I took away, confirm the next step if we agreed on one, and keep it warm and genuine.
See the difference
Same warmth, half the words
Before
“So sorry to bother you, I know you’re incredibly busy. I was just wondering if maybe you might have a little time to chat and give me some advice? Totally fine if not!”
After
“I really admire how you lead the architecture reviews. I’m growing in that area and would value your guidance. Could we set a recurring 30-minute chat once a month?”
Same warmth. Half the words. One clear ask.
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Originally made for Women in Power at EPPC 2026, Copenhagen.