Outreach Like You Want to Be Outreached

For the longest time, I hesitated to start a blog. There’s already so much content on the internet – did the world really need mine too? But over time, I realized I wanted a space to document my thoughts, something like a work diary – even if no one reads it. 😊

Today, I want to share my thoughts on what makes a good outreach email, especially when you’re reaching out to a potential partner. There’s plenty of advice out there, but not all of it resonated with me. 

So here are the rules I personally live by when it comes to outreach.

Write the Way You Want to Be Reached

This is my golden rule.

Always put yourself in the recipient’s shoes. You’ve probably received tons of bad emails – so think like the sender and the receiver when crafting your message.

Here’s what I avoid (and what I personally dislike):

• Unformatted text – hard to read, easy to ignore.
• Too much information – especially when most of it is irrelevant.
• No personal greeting – basic “Hi [Name]” makes a big difference.
• Persistent follow-ups from different people – If I’ve replied once and someone else keeps reaching out from the same company, I’ll likely just delete it.

Avoid Newsletter-style Mass Emails

Newsletters aren’t effective for meaningful outreach. They usually get ignored or deleted – especially when they’re not personalized.

That said, mass updates can be useful if you’re reaching out to an existing database of partners and want to share relevant news or opportunities. 

Even then, try to segment your audience and make it feel a bit more personal.

Keep It Short and Straight to the Point

A good outreach email is simple, clear, and respectful of the reader’s time.

• Stick to one clear purpose.
• Minimize links – just one (or none) is often enough.
• Save in-depth info for a follow-up or meeting.
  

Before writing, do a bit of homework. Learn about your potential partner and propose something specific and relevant to them. You can always go into more detail in future conversations.

Choose the Right Channel

Email isn’t always the best option. Some people prefer other platforms – and they’ll tell you!

Look for contact preferences on their website:

• Some might ask to be contacted via Twitter (X) or LinkedIn.
• Others might use a dedicated partner form or contact page.
• And yes, many still prefer email – but don’t assume.

Doing this research shows respect for their boundaries and helps your message land in the right place.

Build a Partner Database

As I mentioned in my eBook, having a well-maintained partner database with a short history of interactions is invaluable. It helps keep things organized, personal, and efficient when reaching out.

Final Thought

Outreach isn’t about selling – it’s about connecting. When you treat your recipient like a real person, not just a potential conversion, you’re already on the right track.

Outreach like you want to be outreached. That’s all, folks! 😄