6. Final Template ExampleTitle:Interview: [Insert Media Channel] | [Insert Subject]Email:Hi NAME — just [READ/WATCHED] your [INTERVIEW/PRESENTATION] on [CHANNEL/MEDIA PLATFORM] and have a follow up question.I agree/disagree with [INSERT POINT THAT WAS MADE]. I’ve personally found that [INSERT UNIQUE INSIGHT]. I know this, because [INSERT REASON YOUR OPINION MATTERS].“Are you open to [INSERT RELEVENT OPPORTUNITY]?”[INSERT EMAIL SIGNATURE]

AMBIGUOUS HIGH-FRICTION EXAMPLE:“Are you able to jump on a call next week?”Whereas, the below example questions are concise and easy to answer.EXAMPLE SPECIFIC ASKS:“Are you open to [INSERT RELEVENT OPPORTUNITY]?”“ Have you thought about the impact of [INSERT RELEVENT SCENARIO]?”“Are you able to share your [INSERT INITIATIVE] experience from [INSERT RELEVENT EVENT]?”

BODY CONTENT EXAMPLE:I agree/disagree with [INSERT POINT THAT WAS MADE]. I’ve personally found that [INSERT UNIQUE INSIGHT]. I know this, because [INSERT REASON YOUR OPINION MATTERS].

1st SENTENCE EXAMPLE:Hi NAME — just [READ/WATCHED] your [INTERVIEW/PRESENTATION] on [CHANNEL/MEDIA PLATFORM] and have a follow up question.

General structure:The first sentence should validate it was worth opening the email and provide a strong incentive to keep reading.This should be followed by 2–3 sentences of body content that continue to build interest, curiosity, and rapport.I then wrap up with a specific question, which I’ll go through later.

Ground rules:No pleasantries. That means lose “Hope you’re doing well?”Keep it short. A maximum of 10 seconds to read.Include a link to the content being referenced.Use simple language. No buzz words, Latin, or thesaurus specials.

This is another reason I like to use interviews, essays, and presentations as the basis of my cold email content. It means you can reference the interview or presentation in the first part of your email title. Like:Interview/Presentation: [INSERT MEDIA CHANNEL]So, if in your email you are referring to a Bloomberg TV interview your email recipient appeared on, put the below as the first part of your email title:Interview: Bloomberg TV

PERSONAL EXAMPLE:I once emailed the founder of (yet another) gaming company with a multi-billion dollar exit. I wanted to talk about the product thesis of my new gaming startup. So, I found an old interview where this person spoke briefly on the broader approach we were taking and used this as the basis of my outreach.

PERSONAL EXAMPLE:I once became aware a founder of a gaming company with a multi-billion dollar exit now invests in startups through a fund. After some research, it turned out some of those investments were into startups in my company’s section of the gaming market. There was a clear common ground, so I reached out.

I’ve found the opposite is true. These people are super-successful for a reason. They’re deeply passionate about certain subjects, efficient and productive with their time, and open-minded in a way a lot of other people just aren’t.The key to getting a response is how you approach them. Your email copy.