Brief. Blunt. Basic.
Always gets response.
Template 1: For "status quo" buyers / candidates
Let's start with one of the best approaches I know of. Use this on the most difficult prospects: Buyers & candidates who don't (yet) know they need what you're selling—they're locked-into the status quo.
But first ... does it work?
This works on prospects & candidates who are perfectly happy with their current situation. Just ask Joe Peck...
After applying Jeff's tips, my InMail campaign saw a 50% response rate ... and 75% asking to take the next step with me.
Don't do this
Asking for appointments kills response rates. Assuming you're not promoting an event, avoid this in your "first touch" email. If you forget and do ask for an appointment?
You'll be rejected by 90 - 97% of perfectly good prospects. Because they don't (yet) know they need what you're offering.
The goal of your "first touch" InMail/email message is to earn the right to have a discussion.
Nothing else.
It's exactly like an effective cold call.
The template (for sellers)
SUBJECT: Worth considering?
Hi, [prospect first name].
Are you adding new capability to your ______________ [insert area of business your product addresses] at any time soon or in future? I work with organizations like _______ [prospect's business] to make sure _____________ [insert goal]. Would you like to quickly explore, via email, if a larger conversation makes sense?
Please let me know what you decide, [prospect first name]?
Thanks for considering,
[your signature]
For example
SUBJECT: Worth considering?
Hi, Phil.
Are you adding new capability to Cigna's sales training in the future? I work with organizations like yours to help sales reps drive new business using social platforms. I'm sure you have excellent sales training in place. Just wondering if you're looking to build on that success. Please let me know what you decide, Phil?
Thanks for considering,
Jeff Molander
NOTE: Did you see how I took a creative approach ... how I varied from the template? I softened the approach by acknowledging the status quo... not threatening it. You can do the same. Take the approach concept and use it as a guide -- not an exact cut-and-paste. Make it sound and feel like you, aimed at your market.
The template (for recruiters)
SUBJECT: Could this be a fit?
Hi, [candidate first name] ...
Your profile on LinkedIn grabbed my attention. I am looking for a ___________ [position description] for ____________ [your company/client] with a background like yours.
I see you are focusing on ______________ [insert a SPECIFIC observation you've made about candidate's current role/job/position that PROVES you've done homework].
I immediately thought you might like to ___________________ [insert brief but vivid description of your position's most enticing qualities that will represent a 'step up' or quality of life improvement to the candidate].
Let me know what you decide, [first name]?
Regards,
[your signature]
For example
Subject: Let's decide if there's a fit?
Hi, [first name] ...
Your profile on LinkedIn grabbed my attention. I am looking for an Associate Creative Director for ING Bank with a background like yours. I see you have five years of task-oriented production experience focusing mainly on layout for Lucky Brands.
I immediately thought you might like to steer all parts of a campaign, work with a diversity of brands, oversee photoshoots, and work with original photography.
Let me know what you decide, [first name]?
Regards,
Joe
This approach is effective with regular email and LinkedIn's InMail. Good luck.
Let me know how it works for you ok?
If this particular template isn't a fit for what you sell, don't worry. More are on the way!