I emailed him 53 times...

By 20VC

Categories: VC, Startup

Summary

An entrepreneur emailed a tech CEO 53 times before getting a response, showing the power of persistence and personalization in outreach. This bold tactic led to a valuable opportunity, underscoring the importance of never giving up when pursuing important connections.

Key Takeaways

  1. Persistently email a target even if they don't respond, using personalization tactics like referencing their personal interests or activities.
  2. Don't be afraid to keep emailing someone, even if you think they'll block you - they may surprise you and respond.
  3. Incrementally add personalized postscripts (PS) to each email to increase the chances of getting a response.
  4. Persistence and personalization can pay off - the 53rd email led to a valuable opportunity to appear on the CEO's show.
  5. Be prepared to go the extra mile and never give up when trying to land an important connection or opportunity.
  6. Personalize your outreach by referencing the recipient's interests, hobbies, or other personal details to increase the chances of a response.

Related topics

Transcript Excerpt

So important. Lesson number two, you have to continuously beat down the door. I emailed Mark Benioff from Salesforce 53 times. I heard about this question. Every single Sunday. Why didn't he block you? I would have blocked me. And so I emailed him 53 times every time I put a new PS with a personalization. PS, I hope the weather in X is nice. I knew you had a holiday home there. PS, I hope that you're enjoying the McAllen 75. It's also my favorite. Every single time I would do it again and again and again. It never stopped. And on the 53rd time, he responded and said, hey, come on the show. Was that instantly? I'd love to know the exact reply. What was it? Yeah, come on. I think it was like, yeah, I'm in. That was kind of it after 53. Right. CCing my team.…

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