Thread by @dbustac

Cold emailing is the easiest way to:

• Get your dream job
• Connect with your idols
• Get funding for your startup
• Get customers for your product

But how do you write cold emails that actually work?

Here’s the framework @ShaanVP teaches in his Power Writing course:

Little reminder before we dive into the framework:

Important people are busy.

They get a shit ton of email every day.

Every time you send a cold email, there are just 3 possible answers:

1. Yes
2. "Ugh, no"
3. "Marie will schedule"

Be short & optimize your ask for 1 or 3.

Shaan’s 5-step copywriting formula to write effective cold emails:

1. Attention
2. Personal touch
3. Benefits
4. Credibility
5. Simple ask

Let's break down each step:

1. Get their Attention

How?

Craft a compelling subject line.

You gotta find a way to stand out in a crowded inbox.

And then tease them so bad they can't help but open your email.

2 little tricks:

• Use their name
• Create a curiosity gap

2. Add a Personal Touch

98% of email is spam.

In your intro, you gotta show them you:

• Are a real human
• Care about them

Never start:

• Asking for something
• Telling them about you

Instead:

• Flatter their work (be specific)
• Mention a cool, little-known detail

3. Tell 'em the Benefits

After building rapport, tell them what's in it for them.

Offer them something (without asking for anything in return yet!)

Mention a potential problem they might have & explain how your offer will help them.

The easier and more specific, the better.

4. Add Credibility

Now you gotta back up your offer.

They need to know you can deliver the goods.

Show them:

• your work
• past results
• shiny credentials
• mutual connections
• interesting experiences

Your goal is to make them think:

"OK - this person is legit"

5. Make a Simple Ask

Remember what I said at the beginning?

Every time you send a cold email, there are just 3 possible answers:

1. Yes
2. "Ugh, no"
3. "My assistant will schedule"

Your ask should aim for a "1" or a "3".

Make it as easy as possible for them to accept.

Most people won't answer your first cold email (even if it was good AF).

So most of the magic happens when you follow up.

The key here is to be *politely* persistent.

Give 'em a little bump and make it easier for them to help you.

2 Great Cold Email Examples:

1) @theSamParr pitching The Hustle Con to Pandora CEO

2) A guy offering a permissionless apprenticeship to @ShaanVP

That's it guys!

If you found this valuable:

1) follow me @dbustac for more threads on high-leverage writing

2) check out @ShaanVP's Power Writing course - the content is 🔥🔥