Directly emailing for a job when you are an experienced associate?

Hey Guys,

I’m currently an acquisitions associate with 4 years of experience in NYC and trying to move to a new company. I’ve made a list of companies that I’m interested in and am thinking about emailing directly to CEOs and senior acquisitions guys instead of relying on headhunters.

Do you think this is a wise move? As you know, real estate in NYC is a small world and everyone knows pretty much everyone. What is the best way to approach companies that you don’t have pre-existing relationships with?

Thank you.