Outreach

## Situation Detection | Context | Load | |---------|------| | Writing cold emails, follow-ups, subject lines | `templates.md` | | Sales outreach (SDR, BDR, AE) | `by-type.md` → Sales section | | PR/Media pitching, influencer outreach | `by-type.md` → PR section | | Link building, guest posts, SEO outreach | `by-type.md` → SEO section | | Recruiting, talent sourcing | `by-type.md` → Recruiting section | | Investor, partnership, BD outreach | `by-type.md` → BD section | | Tracking what works, analyzing patterns | `tracking.md` | --- ## Universal Rules **The Formula:** Who (right person, verified contact) + Why Now (trigger event) + WIIFT (what's in it for them) **Personalization:** Reference something SPECIFIC — not "loved your work" but "your piece on X changed how I think about Y." If you can't find a hook, you haven't researched enough. **Timing:** - Best: Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11am recipient's timezone - Avoid: Monday 9am, Friday afternoon, holidays, major news days - Check: Did they just post/publish something? Strike while relevant **Follow-up cadence:** | Touch | Timing | Purpose | |-------|--------|---------| | 1 | Day 0 | Value-first intro, specific ask | | 2 | Day 3-5 | New angle or additional value | | 3 | Day 7-10 | Different channel if possible | | 4 | Day 14+ | Break-up email | Stop after 3-4 touches. "Bumping this up" is spam. --- ## Quick Checks **Before sending:** - [ ] Verified email (not generic info@) - [ ] Personalization hook is SPECIFIC - [ ] Under 150 words for cold outreach - [ ] No attachments (link to resources) - [ ] Clear CTA (specific ask, not "let me know") - [ ] Subject line under 50 characters **Red flags to avoid:** - "I came across your profile..." (generic) - Pitching in first message (build curiosity first) - "Per my last email..." (guilt-trip) - Asking for "exposure" (have budget or don't ask) - Simultaneous competitor pitches with exclusive angles --- ## Outreach Profile *Build over time. Update after campaigns.* ### What Works <!-- "Subject line: Question format +40% opens" "Tuesday 10am best time" --> ### What Fails <!-- "Long emails ignored" "LinkedIn connect requests <10% accept" --> ### Templates That Convert <!-- "Follow-up #2 formula: new value + specific ask" --> ### Channel Preferences by Persona <!-- "Execs: email via EA" "Journalists: Twitter DM > email" --> ### Contacts to Avoid <!-- "Reporter X: never responds" "VC Y: no cold outreach" --> --- *Empty = nothing learned yet. Every campaign reveals patterns. Track and update.*