COLD OUTREACH DONE RIGHT

I got a LinkedIn message this week pitching financial planning that said, verbatim:

'I’d love to bless your life.'

It also teased 'cool insights' and asked if I 'wanted to connect.'

Oof. Reader, I did not feel blessed.

But I did feel compelled to respond—with a few pointers. Maybe they’ll be useful to you, too.

Because if you're in the business of outreach, and you're reaching out like this, you’re not just missing the mark. You're setting it on fire. 🔥

PRO TIP: Nail the approach

No one wants to be rescued by someone they don’t know. Start with curiosity. Lead with a relevant insight or question that proves you’ve done your homework.

Here’s a general how to that works:

(NOTE: We’re sticking with the financial planner example.)

1. Ask good questions

   Think like your audience! What do they care about? How are you relevant?
   
   EXAMPLES:
   
   Do you ever wish you knew more about your financial future?

   Do you outsource planning your financial future and then spend useless time worrying about it?

   Do you feel out of your depth when it comes to choosing the right financial planning partner or platform?

2. Show you’ve done your homework

   Research who you’re approaching! No one wants to be treated like just anyone.

   EXAMPLE:

   Good afternoon, Beth! I see you just launched Change Agent—congratulations on reaching this milestone.

   At XXXX, where I work, we've spent XX decades growing wealth for our clients—from early stage endeavors like yours to late-career investing and retirement.

3. Add context

   “Cool insights” doesn't speak to what you could do for me. This is where data, outcomes, or case studies would help. There need to be some blueberries in that muffin your peddling.
   
   EXAMPLE:
   
   If you work with me, I’ll tailor the strategy and advice to you, your current position, and your long-term goals.

   On average, we grow XXXX (investment group that I would identify with) up to XX% annually in XX (amount of time).

   Recently, a client who's an entrepreneur like you just emailed me and said '(insert glorious testimonial quote)’.

4. Make the ask small and clear and be human

   “Let me know if you want to connect sometime” is not an invitation. It’s a shrug. Offer a specific reason to connect and a next step that’s easy to say yes to.

   EXAMPLE:

   Now's the perfect time for you to make sure you have the information and tools you need to succeed with Change Agent.

   What you'll get from a 15-minute intro call (three ‘freebie’ bullets):

   Do you have time next week on Tuesday morning?

   Grab a time here (insert booking link) or just reply right here.

   
   PRO TIP: Stick the landing

   Don’t you think it’s worth 15 minutes to consider some wealth management strategies for a mid-career entrepreneur like you?

   At the very least, we’ll both learn something.

   Thanks for considering it!

   See the difference?

   The truth is, most people are open to connection—if it feels human, relevant, and respectful of their time.

   Otherwise, your outreach sounds like a telemarketing voicemail from 2003….and I promise you: no one’s returning that call.

   Clear, compelling communication isn’t just nice—it’s profitable.💰

   It builds trust faster, shortens sales cycles, and opens doors that stay open. It’s also what I help clients do—whether we’re reworking outreach, refreshing brand voice, or getting stuck strategies unstuck.

   If your words aren’t working as hard as they could be, I’d love to help.