Use the email only for the purpose it was reasonably shared or made public
Send one clear, polite message with a legitimate reason for contacting them
Identify yourself honestly and explain how you obtained their email
Keep the message relevant, brief, and respectful
Avoid sending repeated messages if they do not respond
Do not share their email with others without permission
Do not add them to mailing lists without explicit consent
Offer an easy way for them to decline future contact
Respect any request to stop contacting them immediately
Follow applicable privacy, anti-spam, and data protection laws
Use professional language and avoid pressure, manipulation, or guilt
Verify the address before sending to avoid contacting the wrong person
If the email was given in a professional context, keep the contact appropriate to that context
If the email was found publicly, still treat it as private contact information
Consider whether another contact method would be more appropriate before emailing