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Startup tips 001: The power of the cold DM/email
In August, I briefly talked about how we @teamfitnesse raised over six figures, with most of that being through people we had zero connection to.
Here's a thread of some of my cold DM/email tips
In August, I briefly talked about how we @teamfitnesse raised over six figures, with most of that being through people we had zero connection to.
Here's a thread of some of my cold DM/email tips
Send it!
This is not step #1, but please send that email or DM sitting in your drafts b/c you never know what will happen.
I struggled to reach out to complete strangers b/c I always assumed the worst. But please listen to me; the good usually outweighs the bad.
This is not step #1, but please send that email or DM sitting in your drafts b/c you never know what will happen.
I struggled to reach out to complete strangers b/c I always assumed the worst. But please listen to me; the good usually outweighs the bad.
Do your research
I used to reach out to every person who had VC/angel investor in their bio, thinking it would get us funded...it didn't!
Researching the sector investors invest in is vital. Don't reach out to someone who invests in Pharma when you're building a Fintech startup
I used to reach out to every person who had VC/angel investor in their bio, thinking it would get us funded...it didn't!
Researching the sector investors invest in is vital. Don't reach out to someone who invests in Pharma when you're building a Fintech startup
Clear and concise
Your messaging has to be on point! You can't expect to receive a reply or let alone an investment, if the recipient is confused after reading your email.
Here's a useful template I used from @helena to better craft a clear and concise cold DM/Email.
Your messaging has to be on point! You can't expect to receive a reply or let alone an investment, if the recipient is confused after reading your email.
Here's a useful template I used from @helena to better craft a clear and concise cold DM/Email.
Do I send the deck?
This is a question I still ask myself, and usually the answer is no. Many people may disagree, but I believe that if you're able to convey your message in a clear and concise DM/email like the one above, the recipient will reach out wanting to learn more.
This is a question I still ask myself, and usually the answer is no. Many people may disagree, but I believe that if you're able to convey your message in a clear and concise DM/email like the one above, the recipient will reach out wanting to learn more.
Be consistent
It may feel like you're beating a dead horse, but there will be a breakthrough. Staying consistent allowed us to raise our first round of funding and grow our network with well-known founders, investors, and mentors.
Stay the course!
It may feel like you're beating a dead horse, but there will be a breakthrough. Staying consistent allowed us to raise our first round of funding and grow our network with well-known founders, investors, and mentors.
Stay the course!
Follow through
Once you get that reply, DO NOT PLAY IT COOL! This is what you've been waiting for. Reply swiftly and thoughtfully. If they have questions, answer them. If they want to see your deck, send it.
But most importantly, try to set up that introductory meeting
Once you get that reply, DO NOT PLAY IT COOL! This is what you've been waiting for. Reply swiftly and thoughtfully. If they have questions, answer them. If they want to see your deck, send it.
But most importantly, try to set up that introductory meeting
Pro Tip - download @Grammarly!
Purchasing Grammarly Premium might have been my best quarantine purchase after my exercise bike. It has improved my writing and has helped me ensure that every DM/email conveys the message I intend it to.
It is a lifesaver and is a must-have!
Purchasing Grammarly Premium might have been my best quarantine purchase after my exercise bike. It has improved my writing and has helped me ensure that every DM/email conveys the message I intend it to.
It is a lifesaver and is a must-have!
I hope these tips are helpful and make sending that message easier.
I couldn't ask for intros or rely on my network as a 1st time Black founder, but I used my resources to make something out of nothing.
The steps above led to 6 investors in @teamfitnesse from cold reach out.
I couldn't ask for intros or rely on my network as a 1st time Black founder, but I used my resources to make something out of nothing.
The steps above led to 6 investors in @teamfitnesse from cold reach out.
Here are a few message reply's I received from cold DM reach-out. Two of these four messages led to actual investment 
