networking-outreach

Use the AIDA structure: open with a specific reference to their work, state why you're reaching out, add brief credibility, and close with a low-commitment ask like a 15-20 minute call. Keep cold emails between 75-125 words and include a graceful out acknowledging they're busy.

Send a short bump email on day 4-5 that floats the original message back up with one new sentence of value. Send a final follow-up on day 10-14 that gracefully closes the loop while leaving the door open for future contact.

Include one sentence of context explaining how you found them or what you have in common, plus a specific genuine reason for connecting. Reference their content, a shared background, or a mutual connection rather than sending a blank request.

Cold outreach emails should be 75-125 words. Follow-ups should be 30-50 words, thank-you notes 75-100 words, and referral requests 100-150 words. Longer emails reduce response rates for cold contacts.

Avoid generic templates with no personalization, emails over 150 words, asking for a job directly, missing a clear ask, attachments on first contact, and aggressive follow-ups. Mass copy-pasted messages and pitching in connection requests also hurt response rates.

Use a spreadsheet with columns for name, company, how found, status, last contact date, next action, and notes. Move contacts through stages from Researching to Outreach Sent, Replied, Scheduled, Completed, and Warm Contact, with defined touch frequencies for each relationship strength.