An introduction to introductions

Writing a first message to someone is like submitting a resume to a company that already has another candidate in mind and is probably going to end up hiring internally anyways.  You're also never quite sure if you're even qualified for the position in the first place, because let's face it, you're not trying to make a lateral move here, you're trying for a board position.  If this was college, you'd at least have the opportunity to bribe your way into an executive spot with booze, but in your 30's that goes from being a misdemeanor to a federal crime.