Cold Email Value Exchange

Cold emailing is a highly asymmetrical trade opportunity that most people don't take advantage of due to fear. Here's the framework for successful cold outreach.

Core Philosophy

• Cold emails remain an underutilized opportunity despite their effectiveness
• The downside risk is minimal - worst case is usually no response
• There's always a scarcity of talented, interesting people that others want to meet
• The opportunity remains viable even if widely known because most won't overcome the fear to do it

Key Success Factors

• Must "have the goods" when you show up

  • Be prepared with unique insights
  • Have thoughtful questions ready
  • Demonstrate you're switched on and interested
  • Show you have a unique view on things

• Being a student/young person can be an advantage

  • Most people will meet with students who seem engaged
  • Youth itself can be enough of a hook to get meetings

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Showing up unprepared

  • Not having anything substantive to say
  • Lacking prepared questions
  • Unable to demonstrate value
  • Wasting the person's time

• Poor Follow Through

  • Not capitalizing on responses received
  • Failing to maintain the relationship
  • Not being ready when opportunity presents itself

Results

• Successful cold emails can lead to amazing opportunities
• Even with 100+ non-responses, the wins make it worthwhile
• Bad responses are rare - usually just no response
• The asymmetrical nature means high upside with minimal downside risk