good emails

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

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

The best way to get a powerful person’s attention: offer to help them.

As chief of staff, I reviewed thousands of requests for Reid’s time/attention/money. It was stunning how few requesters actually offered to help him on something. Amusingly, many requests were framed as if the asking party were doing Reid a favor by giving him the opportunity to... 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