If you are going to pitch someone, then pitch them and be honest about it.  Don’t be shady by pretending that you’re after something else.  People are too busy and life has been stressful in the past few years.  Most people don’t want their time wasted as time is the only commodity we really can’t get back.  So don’t disrespect people by wasting their time.  Say what you mean, mean what you say.

A vendor sent mass mailings out to email addresses that they found and positioned themselves as wanting one thing, however it turns out they wanted something else.  A classic bait and switch.  Luckily it only caused annoyance on the part of the receivers of the email, but why do that?  A first impression shouldn’t be wasted in playing games.  Be up front with people.  They may tell you no, but they will have a better opinion of you and maybe will hire you in the future.  If they think you’re shady, then you won’t get that second chance.

Be up front and be direct.  Tell people why you are contacting them and don’t hide behind false pretenses.  If you want business, ask for business, but don’t pretend to be doing anything else.  It doesn’t make you look cool, it only makes you appear untrustworthy.