"When engaging with subject matter experts, I first confirm whether the individuals I will be contacting have the knowledge I need and are stakeholders in the project. If this is the case, my approach is pretty straightforward, asking for their time and describing why I need to meet with them. If the SMEs do not have a stake in the project, I need to be more diplomatic when requesting their time. I'm a little more flexible about when we can meet or have a call, and I emphasize the benefits of working together for both them and the organization. I try not to depend on any single SME too often by building a portfolio of experts both within and outside of the organization."