BC LIFE LESSONS
Saved by @Shubham51ngh

The art of cold emailing

A thread...

 Cold emailing is the act of sending an email (or a DM) to someone who doesn’t know you (hence the word, cold!)

Every day I get 300+ emails, most from those I do not know, and a shocking number of them are poorly written.

Here are 10 things that work for emails that I reply to
1. A different (but not aggressive) subject line

Ask yourself, what is the most likely subject line that EVERYONE will tend to write.
And then DO NOT write that.

What works?
Personalization (I think Vidur and Uzma will love this)
Intrigue (This is when I first saw you)
What doesn’t work?
Common themes (Seeking investment; Job application)
Aggression (Your content sucks - true story btw. It was used only to catch attention)
Buzzwords (AI/ML startup by Stanford founder)
2. The salutation

It is crazy how this small thing is so impactful.
How do you start your email?

Hi Ankur / Hey Ankur / Good Morning Ankur / Dear Mr. Warikoo etc

Adding harmless emoticons helps (😊)
The worst ones?

Dear Sir/Ma’am (ridiculous how many of these I get everyday)
Hi (that’s it! Nothing else. Just a hi!)
Wasssup bro (I am not your bro!)
Guru Ji (please!)

The idea is to strike a warm connect over a medium where your words are reflecting your emotions.
3. The purpose

Assuming you are writing to someone busy, you do them a world of good when you state the purpose of the email right upfront.

This way, they know what you want from them.

It is critical you do not dilly-dally in the purpose. That just makes it hard to decipher.
Worst ones?
This is for a potential collaboration that we wish to explore (loose af)
Trying to explore synergies
Want to see where I can fit in the team

Good ones?
I want to show the progress of my startup, current traction and see if you would be interested to invest?

Simple!
4. Relevance
This is the crux of the conversation where the best emails establish relevance.
This requires homework, research and customization.

Which is why, you cannot, by definition, send more than 3-5 cold emails a day.
Anything more and you are most likely doing it wrong.
You have to, in this section, find
Sender-Receiver-Fit (SRF)

You as the sender, have something to offer or ask, that fits what the receiver is seeking or willing to offer.

When you do not get a reply, it is because there was no SRF.
5. The ask

Post attempting SRF, you ask.
Clearly and precisely.

Mistakes people often make?
1. Assume on behalf of the receiver (oh, this must not be imp for them)
2. Ask broadly (I am looking for guidance!)
3. Not ask at all (hoping to hear from you)
6. Follow up

This is where most people fail. They take no response as rejection. While in most cases, it may simply be lack of priority.

Always follow up - once.
And in the follow up ask, specify your next step...
“To make it easy for you, in case I do not hear back, I will assume this isn’t priority right now. I respect that.”

“In case I do not hear back, I hope it is fine that I check back in x. Please let me know if you would much rather not hear from me.”
7. Myths about cold emailing

It is not about your grasp over the English language.
Establish your comfort.
The key is to communicate, not to impress.
8. Myths about cold emailing

It doesn’t work

Cold emailing works. I have made it work for myself and on a daily basis I hear from people who have created opportunities simply by sending an email.

Remember, if you do not ask, the answer is always no.
9. Use cases which work the best

Hiring
Send emails to the hiring manager, not to HR. They need the candidate more than HR.

Mentoring
Send emails to those who could help you in life, through their experiences.

Feedback
To solicit views on how you are doing, what you are doing
10. The golden tip

The best cold emails I have got have one thing in common

They are authentic (you can make out from the way the email is written. For instance, no one uses the phrase “any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted” in real life)

They sound human!
For all those in your 20s, use cold emails to create opportunities that you didn’t know existed for you. This is your exploration tool.

For those in your 30s, use cold emails to build a network that builds on your identified strengths.
And always remember life’s simple truth

If you do not ask, the answer is always no.
If you liked this thread, please do yourself a favor and send a well researched cold email today to someone.

And retweet this thread, so that it reaches others :)

More from Ankur Warikoo

Ankur Warikoo
Ankur Warikoo
@warikoo
How I invest my money

A thread...

Last year when I stepped down as the CEO of nearbuy - I was a classic case of paper wealth with no cash in hand.

I had stupidly over indexed on equity, made terrible mistakes with money (see thread the end of this thread) and had no other income stream.

I realized the biggest mistakes I had made was investing in largely illiquid assets - startups and real estate. With extremely poor liquidity.

So while I had "wealth" I did not have any income.

The last year I have been working on changing that.

1. Term Insurance
A decade back I bought a term insurance plan for 25 years, for 10Cr.

Which means if I die in the next 25 years (by the time I am 55), my family will get 10Cr (over and above my ongoing loans).
If I don't die, I get nothing.

My logic at 30 was that by 55 I should be able to get to the 10Cr mark myself.
Until then I rely on an insurance plan.

This amount I believe takes care of all current and future needs of my family.

This gives me mental peace, should something happen to me ever!
INVESTING MONEY
Ankur Warikoo
Ankur Warikoo
@warikoo
20 habits for your 20s

A thread...

Habit 1:
Smile at the mirror

20s is the decade of self doubt. Where we feel inadequate, incomplete, lost.

The simple habit of smiling at the mirror, makes me drop my emotions in that moment.

And acknowledge me, for who I am.

Habit 2:
Make your bed
Starts your day with a small accomplishment.

Growing up, the 4 of us used to sleep together in the drawing room, since it had a cooler.

It was my job to make everyone's bed.
It was the last thing I did every night and the first every morning.
Still do it.

Habit 3:
Take the first 30 mins of your morning, for yourself

Don't start it with your phone.
Or with a person.
Or with a book.
Or the toilet.

Just you, your thoughts, some lasting memory of your dreams.

You will appreciate the power of slowing down.

Habit 4:
Call people by their names

Few things makes a person feel included, than hearing their name in a conversation.
Remember, consciously, to include their names, as you speak to them.

You will earn their respect, their attention and their trust.
THINGSTOGOBY , THINGSTOGOBY ANKURWARIKOO SAYSA
Advertisement
Ankur Warikoo
Ankur Warikoo
@warikoo
20 lies that the world feeds us everyday

A thread...

Lie 1:
If you don't settle in your 20s, you are gone!
This is the decade.
You don't get another chance.
Study fast, get a job, get married, kids, that car, that house.
Quickly!
Time's running.
Look at everyone else doing it!

Lie 2:
People who are poor are lazy.
People who are rich are hardworking.
It is your fault if you haven't made it in life.
Look at everyone else who made it.
There is nothing granted or gifted in life.

Lie 3:
Those in corporate jobs, are unambitious.
They have sold their soul.
They are addicted to the salaries.
They could have done so much more with their life.
But they decided to spend it working for someone else.

Lie 4:
Starting your own business is the surest way of making money.
You can never get rich earning a salary.
You can never get rich working for someone else.
LIFE
Ankur Warikoo
Ankur Warikoo
@warikoo
15 things I wish I was told, when I was in my 20s

A thread...

1.
Your grades in college are not going to define your life.
The first company you work for is not going to define your life.
Your first pay package is not going to define your life.

2.
Who and why you decide to spend your life with - is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life.

Don't take it lightly.

3.
Don't go to college looking for a job, a title, a company, a function, a role, a salary.
Go to college looking for yourself.
"What am I good at?"
"What makes me happy?"

4.
This decade you will either drift away from your family or not be able to break from their shackles or realize they are extremely dear to you.

What will you regret not doing, when you are 40?
ALL
Ankur Warikoo
Ankur Warikoo
@warikoo
20 books to read in your 20s

A thread...

Tuesday's with Morrie

I chanced upon this book in 1st yr of college and I am so glad I did. It gave me a perspective that I hadn't had until then, about the significance of

The Subtle Art of not giving a F*ck

So much of our 20s are spent in caring about what others think of us. This book changed and challenged so many views around that. While I read this book in my last 30s, I wish it was there when I was

The Alchemist

This book introduced to me the power of belief. And I think that has stayed with

Man's search for meaning

This book, from the eyes of a Jew in a Nazi concentration camp, is about my favorite thing in the
MISC

More from Life lessons

GREG ISENBERG
GREG ISENBERG
@gregisenberg
I made a list of things that 95% of people think are weaknesses but aren’t

The best founders, bosses, employees, creators I know are really “weak”

If you master these 17 “weaknesses”, it will be life changing:

Changing your mind

You become happier and luckier when you change your mind

Changing your mind isn’t controversial. It’s totally normal

Knowing when to shut up

Normalize listening!

Listening actually solves most problems

To get things done: listen

Taking advice from someone that you don't like, but who is smart and right

This one is hard and hurts

Just because you don’t like them, doesn’t mean they aren’t right

Taking a nap

Fun fact: naps are predominantly deep sleep and our body is wired for them

Naps are the past, present and future
LIFE LESSONS
The Millennial Money Woman \U0001f4b5
The Millennial Money W...
@The_MMW
11 Critical Lessons from Jeff Bezos

// Thread //

1. It's OK to Fail

Bezos helped develop the Fire Phone, one of Amazon's worst failures.

And yet, the Fire Phone led to one of Amazon's biggest successes: Alexa.

“If you want to be inventive, you have to be willing to fail.” @JeffBezos

2. Be Uncomfortable

Before founding Amazon, Bezos worked on Wall Street.

Yet, he left his comfort zone to start an online business.

In 1994, building an online business was incredibly risky.

"One of the only ways to get out of a tight box is to invent your way out" @jeffbezos

3. Your Actions Define You

You are born with strengths and weaknesses.

What you do is what ultimately defines who you are.

It is not your ability that defines you, but your actions and choices.

"It's not an experiment if you know it's going to work" @jeffbezos

4. Embrace Criticism

If someone you trust gives you feedback, decide if their criticism is right.

If yes, then change and stop resisting.

Candid feedback is your ticket to true growth.

"If you can't tolerate critics, don't do anything new or interesting" @JeffBezos
LIFE LESSONS
Advertisement
Patrick the Tax Advisor \U0001f525
Patrick the Tax Adviso...
@AskForTaxAdvice
1) Every tax loophole I know.

No sales. Pure content.

If you appreciate my stuff, push this huge thread.

I’m tired of stalling at 9k.

If this group gets big enough, I could do so much more for you.

RT! Like! Tell your mother! Let’s go!!!

***Thread***

2) Pre-loopholes

Make sure tax is part of your wealth strategy.

How much of your income you keep matters even more than how much you make.

Tax is your largest expenses. Tattoo that on your wallet because it’s the truest thing you’ll read today.

3) Almost any expense can be deductible.

I’ve written threads on deducting your vacation. Even getting paid to go on vacation.

If you are speaking money and it relates to a profit motive, there is a good chance you can deduct it. Start capturing these expenses for analysis.

4) One of the easiest ways here - have a business reason you are taking your vacation. Maybe for a rental property. Maybe for a retreat. Maybe for recruiting.

It needs to be four house per day of your non travel days, but that isn’t that hard.

5) Burn in your brain that paying more tax than you should doesn’t make you a better person (or worse if you find ways to save).
LIFE LESSONS
Positive Call
Positive Call
@Positive_Call
3 things to give up to be successful

// thread //

Success.

It's something that everyone strives to achieve.

Looks different for everyone:

- home
- family
- great career

Success is all about vision.

Change your vision. Change your life.

Achieving anything in life:

- provides power
- makes you proud
- triggers self-esteem

1. Unhealthy lifestyle

“Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.” - Jim Rohn

Achieving things in life starts with a healthy body and calm mind.

2 things to keep in mind:

- healthy diet
- physical activity

Small steps.
But, one day you'll thank yourself.

2. Short term mindset

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” - Mae West

Successful people:

- get up early
- ignore the noise
- read a lot [focus]
- set long-term goals
- focus on short-term habits

Being average is easy.

Choose to be exceptional.

3. Playing small

“Your playing small doesn't serve the world. We're all meant to shine.”
- Williamson

If you never try, you'll be part of someone else’s dream.

So:

- voice your ideas
- don't be afraid to fail
- don't be afraid to succeed

If you play small, you stay small.
LIFE LESSONS
The Millennial Money Woman \U0001f4b5
The Millennial Money W...
@The_MMW
How to Build Wealth at Any Age

11 Wealth Building Strategies

// Thread //

1. Diversify Your Income

The average millionaire builds 7 streams of income.

If you've ever heard of the saying "don't put your eggs in 1 basket," then you know that you shouldn't rely on just 1 job.

Start diversifying your income streams today.

2. Own Your Own Business

66% of millionaires own their own business.

There's a reason why so many millionaires choose entrepreneurship over employment: They are their own boss.

Live your life without limits and build a lasting empire today.

3. Build Your Network

A degree is good but your network is better.

One of the greatest indicators of your future success is determined by the people who know you and trust you.

Build and maintain meaningful relationships as early as possible.

Your network is your net worth.

4. Read More

85% of millionaires read books for 30 minutes or more daily.

Books give you a chance to learn from and think like the greatest minds that have walked this earth.

If you want to succeed, you have to read.
LIFE LESSONS

You May Also Like

Marina Amaral
Marina Amaral
@marinamaral2
Rio de Janeiro, 1920. 🇧🇷


São Paulo, 1910. 🇧🇷


“Arpoador”, Rio de Janeiro, 1900. 🇧🇷


“Avenida Paulista”, São Paulo, 1902. 🇧🇷


Recife, 1885. 🇧🇷
HISTORY
Jaya_Upadhyaya
Jaya_Upadhyaya
@Jayalko1
GHATI SUBRAMANYA, DODDABALLAPURA (KAR)
#bharatmandir

One of the most important place for snake worship.
The murtis of Kartikeya and Narasimha are self-manifested.
There is an anthill which is opposite the shrine. Bhaktas pour milk on it as part of rituals.


Here Subramanya performed penance in the form of snake. He sought protection from Narsimha for Nagas from Sri Vishnu’s vehicle Garuda, known for his dislike towards serpents.
The Pushya Suddha Shasti is one of the biggest festivals here believed to be appearance day of Subramanya


It was in this region where Subramanya vanquished Ghatikasura, the demon. Hence called Ghati Subramanya.
Childless couples visit here to seek blessings for getting a child.
The installation of snake murtis near the shrine is believed to be an auspicious act.


The murti of Karthikeya with a seven headed cobra faces eastwards while Narasimha faces westwards.
To ensure that both are visible to bhaktas at the same time, a huge mirror is placed in the rear in the sanctum sanctorum.
ALL
Advertisement
The Chartians
The Chartians
@chartians
Took me 5 years to get the best Chartink scanners for Stock Market, but you’ll get it in 5 mminutes here ⏰

Do Share the above tweet 👆

These are going to be very simple yet effective pure price action based scanners, no fancy indicators nothing - hope you liked it.

https://t.co/JU0MJIbpRV

52 Week High
One of the classic scanners very you will get strong stocks to Bet on.

https://t.co/V69th0jwBr

Hourly Breakout
This scanner will give you short term bet breakouts like hourly or 2Hr breakout

Volume shocker
Volume spurt in a stock with massive X times
SCREENERS , ALL , CHARTLINK SCREENERS
Vibhu Vashisth
Vibhu Vashisth
@VIBHU_Tweet
Rani Chennamma of Kittur was one of the first women rulers of India who fought against the might of the British Empire in 1824. Rani Chennamma was born in 1778 in a small village of Kakati in Belgaon distt of the State of Karnataka.


She was born into the Lingayat Community to a man named Dhulappa Desai. From a very young age she was trained in horse riding,sword fighting, archery and diplomacy. At a very young age of 15 yrs, she was married to the King of Kittur and became the Queen of Kittur.


It is said that King of Kittur Mallasarja was once moving around in the neighbouring kingdoms to find support to fight Tipu Sultan. It is then, when he came across Chennamma and he immediately got attracted to her sheer confidence and bravery.

Rani Chennamma and King Mallasarja had a son together who died very soon after the death of King Mallasarja in 1816. As the Queen of Kittur, Rani Chennamma immediately adopted Shivalingappa as her son and declared him the heir to the throne of Kittur.

This did not go well with the British East India Company who was enforcing the Doctrine of Lapse those days, according to which the adopted children of the Indian rulers were not allowed to become their heirs and if the native rulers did not have children of their own, their...
ALL
Zen Black
Zen Black
@z3nblack
1/ Thread: "A Silicon Valley Ponzi Scheme"

Thanks to @chamath for laying this out in Social Capital's 2018 annual letter.

I've always appreciated his outspokenness.

2/ The hardest thing for most startups today is the path to market: first finding product-market fit & a way to reach customers, then building a ruthless machine to acquire, monetize & retain them.

3/ Because of this, when the VC industry invests capital into fast growing startups today, the plurality (if not majority) of invested capital will go into user acquisition and ad spending, for better or worse— usually worse.

4/ Todays massive venture-backed advertising, sales, and user acquisition playbook has morphed into one that champions growth at any cost.

This is creating a big bill that will soon come due...

5/ Ad impressions and click-throughs are bid up to outrageous prices by startups flush with venture money, and prospective users demand more and more subsidized products to gain their initial attention.
TECH , STARTUPS , {TEST FOLDER}