Small employers hiring around Tucson - any advice?

Two small Tucson employers told me they are hiring but have not posted yet. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. They like a brief email with a résumé. What do you write in a cold email?

Visiting in person worked for a trades job. For office jobs, email was better.

Small employers often hire on recommendation. Ask neighbours, former co-workers and your library.