Need some advice re: how to word something

[phalaeo]

Without being too wordy-

There is a Botanical Gardens being planned from the ground up in the town where I went to college (not driving distance from where I currently live). I am a professional Horticulturist- I have a career in Horticulture (or had before the economy went sour). They are specializing in my exact specialty... I love this town, I love my work... I'd give my left whatever to be involved.

Frequently in my business (Public Horticulture) volunteers and employees work side by side- the people who can't commit to a full time job or are simply retired or even in private business in the plant industry often donate their time to efforts that will continue greatness and education in Horticulture. It's very common to have an unpaid volunteer actually be the area's leading expert on Epiphytic Neoregelias and to sit on a Public Garden's scientific committee. It's also common to have Joy Housewife show up because she likes pretty flowers and she can't tell a bud from a root.

I want to get involved in this new conservatory- was looking on their site and there's oodles of stuff I can contribute well to.

How do I "cold-call" these people to let them know I'd like to "volunteer on a professional level" without sounding snotty and full of myself? How do I break the ice? There is no formal volunteer program that I can see, but the website indicates that people are starting to get involved.

I can explain more if need be- I guess I'll leave it at this to start and hear what you guys have to say.

[Milamber69]

Ring them and say exactly this:

"Listen plant lady, lets get one thing straight, I dont like you and you dont like me, but when it comes to trees and seeds, you NEED me. My number is __________, call me back in 1 hour exactly with the salary you are going to offer me" (hang up)

Hope this helps.

[toughguyjoe]

Ring them and say exactly this:

"Listen plant lady, lets get one thing straight, I dont like you and you dont like me, but when it comes to trees and seeds, you NEED me. My number is __________, call me back in 1 hour exactly with the salary you are going to offer me" (hang up)

Hope this helps.

I like this advice, but download one of those things that kidnappers use to scramble their voices first.

[Slink]

Is your name, by chance, Roger?

[Lorien_the_First_One]

Don't overthink.

Send them a brief letter saying:

1) How excited you are about their new project and the direction they are taking
2) Let them know your background, and that you would like to volunteer in support of their great effort
3) Wait a little while, if you don't hear back, make a followup phone call

Send it to a person, not the company. Be specific, pick the right person for that project.

[MateCarefor]

Well, it seems like getting a point of contact may be a good start so you know you are actually getting to someone who (a) knows what is going on and (b) can be in a decison-making position.

You mentioned it was in the town of your old university - the same one you received your Horticulture training?
If so, and you are still on decent terms with your old department, I'd give them a ring and see if anyone in the program knows a lead at the new project (or is even involved, which can help as an alumni to get a foot in the door or at least have a conversation starter)

Hope it helps, and good luck!

[MrLarone]

given the care and tone you've used to request our help i'd say your perfectly capable of contacting them directly without coming off as "snotty and full of (your)self" ;-)

personally i'd send a CV and a cover letter. the CVshould show your obvious talents and merits you'd bring in a clear, non flashy manner, and in your cover letter you can gush about why you'd like to work for them in particular.

that way you can avoid, what i think you're fearing, gushing about your education and sounding up your self.

good luck! =)