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In an era saturated with digital communication, crafting a message that truly captures the attention of high-level executives is a significant challenge. However, a recent success story from Fishwife CEO Becca Millstein demonstrates that a well-executed cold outreach on LinkedIn can indeed lead to remarkable opportunities, even a job offer. This particular message cut through the noise by being exceptionally clear, concise, and backed by solid professional achievements, proving that quality and precision can overcome the sheer volume of daily communications.

Becca Millstein, co-founder and CEO of the renowned tinned seafood company Fishwife, frequently receives a high volume of direct messages on LinkedIn. She openly admits that the majority of these messages go unread or are quickly dismissed due to their generic nature or overwhelming quantity. However, a specific message from a job applicant several months ago managed to stand out significantly. This applicant's approach was so effective that Millstein not only noticed it but also forwarded the candidate's profile to her hiring manager, ultimately resulting in the candidate being hired.

The successful message distinguished itself through its structured and impactful content. The candidate immediately identified the role they were applying for, followed by a succinct summary of their relevant experience. Crucially, they quantified their past achievements, providing concrete figures such as scaling operations to a certain number of orders per year and managing substantial budgets. The message also highlighted key responsibilities like overseeing end-to-end processes, managing client relationships, and utilizing data for forecasting and optimization. Furthermore, the candidate emphasized their collaborative skills, mentioning cross-functional teamwork. The message concluded with a direct request for a conversation and an attachment of their resume, reinforcing their genuine interest and preparedness.

Millstein noted that the message's specificity and directness were key factors in grabbing her attention. She appreciated that the candidate was not a "robot," meaning the message was clearly personalized and thoughtfully composed, contrasting sharply with the many superficial or automated messages she typically receives. The inclusion of quantifiable achievements and a clear statement of interest in a particular role, coupled with the prior submission of an official application, made the candidate's outreach particularly compelling. This example serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of a targeted, data-driven, and personal approach in professional networking and job seeking.

This incident underscores the critical importance of being both precise and proactive in job applications. Simply sending a direct message without having first formally applied for an open position is often ineffective. The combination of a strong, detailed application and a concise, personalized outreach message, rich with quantifiable accomplishments, significantly increases a candidate's visibility and potential for success in a competitive job market.

Wealthy property owners in New York City now have more time to navigate the intricacies of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's proposed pied-à-terre tax. The initial deadline for exemption applications has been pushed back by four weeks, moving from August 21 to September 18.

This extension was announced jointly by Mayor Mamdani and Department of Finance Commissioner Richard Lee. Their statement highlighted that the additional time is intended to allow homeowners to firmly establish their primary residency or otherwise demonstrate their ineligibility for the surcharge. The city also plans to use this period to enhance communication and provide increased support to residents facing questions about the application process. This move comes in response to earlier criticisms from some New Yorkers who found the tax's implementation confusing and the exemption process burdensome.

Introduced in April, the pied-à-terre tax is a key component of Mayor Mamdani's broader initiative to increase revenue from high-net-worth individuals, which also includes proposals for higher income taxes on top earners and increased corporate tax rates. This particular levy targets owners of secondary homes in New York City valued above $5 million and is projected to bring in approximately $500 million annually. The Department of Finance began notifying potentially affected property owners in July. The tax has drawn considerable opposition from some affluent residents and prominent figures, including business leaders and former President Donald Trump, who have voiced concerns about its potential impact on the city. Despite the backlash, Mayor Mamdani emphasized that the tax is a vital instrument for securing necessary funds to support essential urban services like public safety and park maintenance, reiterating the city's commitment to ensuring all eligible residents have the time and resources to comply.

This policy reflects a larger effort to address New York City's significant budget deficit, a concern also supported by Governor Kathy Hochul. By extending the deadline and enhancing homeowner support, the city aims to ensure a smoother implementation of this critical revenue-generating measure, balancing fiscal needs with a responsive approach to citizen concerns.