Warm introductions work well because people tend to do business with people they trust. And, people get a good feeling if they are responsible for making a connection that leads to positive outcomes.

By making connections that lead to positive results, the introducer is strengthening his/her reputation. Therefore, an introducer is more likely to make an introduction if they feel like there is a high likelihood of a positive outcome. For example, you help your friend make a crucial hire through an introduction, and that key hire ends up being responsible for rapid, efficient growth of your friend’s business.

I don't recommend using cold email outreach. Instead, it is wiser to activate your 1st-degree (warm) networks who will use the double-opt-in method to connect you with others. The double opt-in works as follows:

You request an introduction from your introducer.
The introducer passes it on to the party you want to connect with to get their written consent to make the connection.
The introducer makes the connection.

Silicon Valley (SV) has a strong ‘pay-it-forward’ culture. People (most) understand that anyone, regardless of their personal history, can come together and create some incredible things. Approach people with a ‘positive-sum’ attitude and the ecosystem will not disappoint!

However, when you request an introduction, you must position yourself as relevant to the person (or persons) you want to reach.

First, get clear on what your goals and outcomes are— do not activate warm networks just because you enjoy ‘picking’ brains.

Second, you must communicate the potential value that could arise from the connection. These questions will help you:

Goals: how can you help them achieve their goals?
Values: how do you align at a values level? It could be your personal and professional mission and a common cause. People who share similar beliefs, values, and attitudes tend to feel good when they meet more people exactly like them.
Challenges: how you can help them solve their problems, or diminish their challenges?

To further assist you in coming up with a clear value-add, you can also answer the following questions:

What might the other party lose that they value if they don't meet you?
Why should they meet you sooner than later?
What's the ideal outcome you imagine as possible for both of you?

Summing up: the theory ‘six degrees of separation’ is the idea that all people are six (or fewer) connections away from each other. In Silicon Valley (SV), it’s more like 2-degrees of separation— if you learn how to properly engage with warm networks, SV’s network effects will help amplify your good outcomes!

Godspeed!