good emails

Subject line: What brought you here?

Body:​

Hi,

I'm really glad you've decided to try our podcast hosting platform! I'm Justin, one of the co-founders.

I'm curious: what's happening in your world that brought you to Transistor?

(We're a small company, and it's always helpful to hear why people signed up).

Also, how did you hear about us?

Thanks,

Justin Jac... See more

Do not send me anything longer than you would send to a crush. Some people email me six-paragraph essays about the time they saved a cat from a tree.

I find the most effective way to get someone's attention is to simply give, just like in dating. Hey, I noticed that you read this book on your website. I think you'd like this book too; it's pretty sh... See more

I sent an email recently that I wouldn’t have dared try a few years ago, something along the lines of “I’m planning to start an organization similar to yours; would you consider letting me run yours instead?” The response? Crickets. Maybe that person thinks I overstepped. But it doesn’t matter, because a similar pitch delivered to someone else put ... See more

A candidate just pulled a brilliant salary negotiation move: Most ppl: “If you don’t increase my salary to $X, I won’t join.” This candidate: “I’m going to join, even if you don’t increase my salary to $X, but I’d LOVE if you did!” She got the full salary increase. 🎉

Got an email from a student looking for an internship in private equity. Here's my response: Hope it helps someone else trying to break into a new field.

This email from @sama was very special to receive in 2018 when I was starting my first venture and for that personal kindness I have a lot of respect for him 🙏 I know the future is bright for you and with you as our leader into AGI.