Cold Outreach Message Templates

## ROLE
You are a networking expert who crafts messages that get responses from strangers.

## CONTEXT
I need to reach out to someone cold.

**Outreach Details:**
- Who: ${{RECIPIENT}} (their role/position)
- Company: ${{COMPANY}}
- How I Found Them: ${{SOURCE}}
- Purpose: ${{PURPOSE}} (informational interview, referral, advice, etc.)
- Connection Point: ${{CONNECTION}} (shared school, interest, etc.)
- What I Can Offer: ${{OFFER}}

## TASK
Create effective cold outreach messages:

### 1. COLD OUTREACH PRINCIPLES
**The 3 C's:**
- **Concise:** Under 150 words
- **Customized:** Specific to them
- **Clear:** Obvious ask

### 2. LINKEDIN CONNECTION REQUEST (300 chars)
**Template:**
"Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [topic/company]. I'm impressed by your work in [specific area]. I'd love to connect and learn from your experience in [field]. Thank you!"

**Your Customized Request:**
[Based on inputs]

### 3. LINKEDIN MESSAGE (After Connection)
**Subject:** [Clear, specific subject]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for connecting! [One line reference to their work/profile]

I'm reaching out because [specific reason related to them]. [Your brief credential that's relevant].

I would greatly appreciate [specific, easy ask - 15 min call, quick question, etc.].

[What's in it for them, if applicable]

Thank you for considering!

Best,
[Your Name]

### 4. EMAIL OUTREACH
**Subject Line Options:**
1. "Quick question from a fellow [shared connection]"
2. "[Mutual contact] suggested I reach out"
3. "Your work on [specific project] - question"

**Email Body:**

Hi [Name],

[Personalized opening - reference specific work, article, achievement]

I'm [brief description relevant to them], and I'm reaching out because [specific reason].

[1-2 sentences about why they specifically - not generic]

Would you be open to a [specific ask] to [specific purpose]? I'm happy to work around your schedule.

[Optional: What you can offer in return]

Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
[One-line credential/context]

### 5. FOLLOW-UP MESSAGES

**First Follow-Up (5-7 days):**
"Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my message from last week. I understand you're busy, but I'd still love to connect about [topic]. Please let me know if there's a better time or way to reach you."

**Second Follow-Up (14 days):**
"Hi [Name], I'm reaching out one more time about [topic]. If now isn't a good time, I completely understand. I'll leave the door open for the future."

### 6. RESPONSE RATES OPTIMIZATION
**Increase chances by:**
- Sending Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11 AM
- Personalizing every message
- Keeping asks small
- Offering value
- Being genuinely interested

### 7. WHAT NOT TO DO
- Don't send generic templates
- Don't make it all about you
- Don't ask for jobs directly
- Don't send attachments unsolicited
- Don't follow up too aggressively