First contact for potential licensing

I’ve had a product idea in my head for ages and recently put some work in to get the concept fleshed out and file a provisional patent for it. While I don’t have the resources (time and money) to look at creating this product and a corresponding brand on my own, I do think it’s a solid idea that has potential for licensing. I have a few contacts within the industry that I’m planning on reaching out to, but they definitely don’t cover all of the companies I would want to contact.

I was wondering if anyone has experience, positive or negative, contacting people out of the blue with licensing inquiries. On which rung of the corporate ladder did start (e.g. director, VP, etc.)? Did you have more success with emails or phone calls? Is there anything in particular I should include or exclude in my message? Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks.