1) You should definitely leverage your existing networks 2) If you keep your email concise and to the point (read up about cold-emailing people), then most will

1) You should definitely leverage your existing networks 2) If you keep your email concise and to the point (read up about cold-emailing people), then most will respond. There is nothing wrong with seeking new opportunities and if people are disturbed they just won't answer you. It seems you are afraid of what other people think. Don't be. be confident and trust your intuition.