Cold Emails are not a dead networking tool. A good cold email can open so many doors for you if you do it just right. The main goal is to create a connection and then build on that relationship further. If you're having trouble getting started, keep a few things in mind when making up your draft:
- Personalize it: people can smell a mass email from a mile away! Show your personality throughout the email and woo them with your charm.
- Focus on the other person: the point of a cold email is to build a connection with the other person. Make it about them by asking questions, complimenting them, and so on.
- Make a great subject line: let's face it, a good subject line is one of the most enticing tools for effective emailing. According to a study, 55 percent of people like when email subject lines include relevant products and offers, so clearly, personalization is an effective tactic. Just make sure it doesn't give off any weird signals. Some good examples are: "So nice to meet you!," "(Mutual connection) recommended I get in touch with you," "I found you through . . .," "We have [TK] in common," or "I have an idea for . . ."
- Highlight how mutually beneficial the new relationship can be: make sure it's not all benefits for one and nothing for the other. Let them know they're helping you and you're helping them.
- Follow up: sometimes emails get lost in spam or in a flood of other emails. It happens! Just make sure to follow up within a few days of the initial email.