Playbook: Cold Outreach

Use this playbook when you're trying to contact people you don't know.

What is a cold outreach?

A cold outreach is when you try connecting to someone that you have no existing connection with. People hate spam, so you definitely don't want to make your emails/messages look like spam. There are best practices that we've complied for you. Take this seriously, it will be your key to network and connect with anyone you want.

Watch this video from Sam Parr, CEO of The Hustle:

• Start from 10min.
• Not everything in this video will apply to your situation, but take notes on what can work for you and try it. No downside in trying things (like the "ps." strategy).

Examples of Good Emails From TKS Alumni

Subject: Really enjoyed reading your papers!

Hi Dr. Stevenson!

I've read a few of you publications like _____ and______, they were really informative! They inspired me and I was hoping to ask you a few questions. In particular, I wanted to speak to you about:

• Genetic analyses from ancient DNA
• Antibiotic resistance is ancient
• Amino acid racemization and the preservation of ancient DNA
• Metagenomics to Paleogenomics: Large-Scale Sequencing of Mammoth DNA

By the way, I'm in grade 9 and I would really appreciate your advice and guidance on how I should be investing my time while I'm young to prepare myself to make an impact when I'm older. I was wondering if we could schedule a meeting sometime this month?

Sincerely,

Natalie Duarte

Subject: Read your paper, loved it!

Hi Professor Davidson!

I recently read your paper in Cell Journal on” Structure Reveals Mechanisms of Viral Suppressors that Intercept a CRISPR RNA-Guided Surveillance Complex”. It was fascinating! I’m in grade 12 and I’ve been passionately researching TALEN, ZFN, and, of course, CRISPR. I’m specifically interested in mitigating the effects of CRISPR in cases of off-target cuts and got really excited when I encountered your paper.

Would you be open to meeting? I’d love to get your guidance as I continue my research, as well as learn more about what you’re working on.

Some questions I have about your research include:

1. The observation is AcrF2 binds with the Csy1-Csy2 tail. What is particularly unique about these regions, and how can AcrF2 recognizes the portion of the suppressor it would supposedly bind?

2: What is the molecular mechanism of preventing the Csy complex from recognizing invading viral DNA by AcrF1/2?

3: Given that anti-CRISPR is used as a safety measure, how can we quantify the appropriate amount of Acr proteins to deliver so that it sufficiently inhibits the activity of CRISPR-Cas? What are other applications and the future impacts of anti-CRISPR?

Thank you very much!

Hannah

Subject: "Finished reading your paper!"

Hi Carole!

I really enjoyed reading the paper that you sent me about AI and Law! Especially the part where you talked about AI's impact around disputing legal agreements with morality. It was my the first time reading about the impacts of AI in places other than North America. I also found the AI overview to be very informative, so I sent the paper to my parents and sister to get a good intro of the field.

Recently, I finished my object detector algorithm which uses a convolutional neural network to detect real-world objects in real-time. My next steps are to incorporate GUIs and have the algorithm interact directly with the Windows UI, to create a UI of my own, and develop the algorithm into a downloadable software.

I find the fact that you incorporate both AI and Law into your work fascinating and I was wondering if you are able to get together with me this week to talk about the paper and advice regarding what steps I should take to pursue both my interests!

-Siddesh

What NOT to do:

"This is Riya from TKS who's working on the SmartCane. Hope you're doing well!"

DO NOT: start your email with your name "this is Riya".

DO NOT: say "hope you're doing well". There are better ways to start an email.

What you SHOULD do:

"It was amazing meeting you at the Microsoft event! Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement, it means so much to me! I really enjoyed the panel talk about bridging the digital skills gap and had an amazing time at the event!"

• Enthusiastic follow up
• Show gratitude
• Talk about what you learned

"You're so inspiring to me and I really echo your views on the current education system. I'd love to set up an interview and write an article about you! Let me know if you'd be interested!"

• Make them feel amazing: "You're so inspiring to me"
• Share commonalities: "I really echo your views on..."
• Follow up with a meaningful ask: "setup an interview and write an article"

Result 👇

Subject: Open to giving advice to gr10 student interested in stem cells?

Hi Bruno!

I've been fascinated with stem cells and their effect on the human body, in particular on Alzheimer's disease. All the research I've done has been alone and I'm at a point where there's some questions I can't find the answer to. I'm only in Grade 10 and I would love to get your guidance on how I should continue my research in stem cells

Would you be open to chatting?

- Luke

PS: here are a couple articles I wrote on DNA replication and proteins:

• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/genoseries1-dna-structure-replication-luke-piette/
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/genoseries2-protein-transcription-translation-luke-piette

Subject: Recommendations for a gr8 student to learn more about Fusion?

Hi Mr. Delage!

I am a grade 8 student in Toronto and I've been completely obsessed with Fusion. During my research, I stumbled on General Fusion and what you're working on fascinates me! I'm reaching out because I've recently run into a wall and I'm a bit stuck in my research and I'd really appreciate any guidance or advice you could provide me.

Recently, I wrote a 4-part series on different types of Fusion, including Magnetized Targeted Fusion (you can read it here).

I have three main questions specifically about General Fusion and I would really appreciate if you could help me:

1. Is direct conversion possible with MTF reactors?

2. What isotope of hydrogen do you use Deuterium or Tritium(or both)?

3. What material is the main reactor made of?

Thank you so much!

Ps. Are there any good resources/papers you'd recommend I'd look into to help me learn even more?

Andrew Benn

LinkedIn Cold Message:

#1

Hi [name]! I'm really interested in what you're working on at [company name]. I'm currently researching [what you're doing] and working on a [type/topic] project. I would love to get your advice and guidance to help me as I'm developing my skills in the area. Would you be open to a Zoom/call?

#2

Hi [name]! I'm a high school student working on [insert project here] . I've read some of your work and I'd love to connect. Do you have time to schedule a 20 min call about your research?

#3

Hey Austin - I'm a 16-year-old activator and tech enthusiast (isabellagrandic.com). I'm reaching out to people who I think I could learn a ton from and was hoping to pick your brain on a few things + get advice. Would you be open to a 15 min call? Thanks!

#4

Hi Umar! I'm a teenager working on a project to [project focus]. Currently, I'm focused on [subset of project]; given your expertise, I was wondering if you'd be open to a 20-30 min call this week?

Follow-up emails (if they haven't responded)

Often times people won't respond to your first email. In that case, you need to send a follow-up email. Wait 3-5 days before sending a follow-up email. Here are some examples:

Hi [name] - just wanted to check in. Are you still open to connecting? Would really appreciate the time!

I'm specifically interested in getting your thoughts on:

• xxxxx
• xxxxx

Thx!

Ps. I recently came across this [article/podcast/video] and thought you might like it: [insert link].

[Your name]