If you're still opening your emails or DMs with, "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To whom it may concern," STOP. Be clear about your "why"The easiest way to have your email or message ignored is to make the recipient go, "Why are they even reaching out?" Maybe it's sharing a helpful article, giving them a shoutout on social media or simply expressing genuine interest in helping them. If you're sending an email at 11 p.m. or DMing someone during lunch, chances are they won't respond until much later (if at all). For email, mid-mornings (around 10 a.m.) or early afternoons (2-3 p.m.) tend to get the best response rates.