Cold outreach fails when messages feel mass-produced. Strong outreach is short, specific, and easy to answer in under a minute.
Three rules before any template
- Show you did real homework.
- Ask for one small next step.
- Make the reply easy (yes or no, or a simple choice).
Template: customer interview request
Subject: quick question about how you handle [workflow]
Hi [Name], I noticed your team is hiring for [relevant role], so I guessed [workflow] is important right now. I am researching how teams handle [problem] and would value a 15-minute conversation. No sales pitch, just research.
If useful, I can share a short summary of findings from other teams.
Open to a quick chat next week?
Template: partnership outreach
Hi [Name], I liked your recent post on [topic]. We serve a similar audience and I think there is a clean collaboration: [one sentence idea]. If this is interesting, I can send a one-page draft with scope and expected outcome.
Worth exploring?
Template: referral-intent message
Hi [Name], I am applying to [role or program] and your background in [area] stood out. I prepared a concise case study on [problem solved] and would appreciate 10 minutes of feedback before submission.
If it resonates, I would be grateful for referral guidance.
Follow-up cadence that respects attention
- Follow-up 1 after 3 business days with one new detail.
- Follow-up 2 after 7 days with a clean close-out line.
- Stop after that unless they re-engage.
