How do they know you’re not a flake?
Before your link gets clicked or your proposal gets read, a busy person is going to triage it to find out if it's even worth glancing at. Since everyone is now connected, the new permeability has created a deluge of noise, and just about everyone worth contacting is taking defensive measures.
- Do I know this person?
- Did someone I trust send them over?
- Where does she work? (Ideo? the FDA? The New York Times?)
- Has she won an award? Is she famous?
- Are there typos and is the design sloppy?
- Are they pestering me?
- Do I already follow this person online?
- Does music play when I visit the website?
- Will my boss be pleased when I bring this project up?
- Who else is pointing to/referencing/working with this person?
- Is it too good to be true?
Notice that all of these questions get asked before the idea is even analyzed. Doesn't matter that this might not be fair, it's a hurdle you have to cross.
Not all good ideas are pre-proven, sophisticated and from reliable sources. That's not your fault. Doesn't matter. In a noisy world filled with choices, you can't blame your prospects for ignoring you. I know that you're talented and have a lot to offer, but do they?