Tim Ferriss’s Cold Email Playbook (Step by Step)
In a Nutshell
Tim Ferriss's cold email playbook emphasizes establishing credibility in short subject lines via mutual connections or indicators like "for [person] via TiE" or podcast stats, while verifying connections to avoid disqualification. Use polite greetings (Mr./Ms.), briefly introduce yourself in 1-2 lines without links, make a crystal-clear ask with a specific time limit (≤10 min) and your cell number, and close humbly to show zero entitlement. Follow up once after a week max, then move on—prioritize not doing anything stupid over casualness.
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Establish credibility upfront when reaching out to someone above your pay grade. Use subject lines that mention mutual connections or credibility indicators. For example, for Tom Cruise via mutual connection or Tim Ferriss. Mention the mutual connection first because subject lines often get truncated on mobile. 'For Tom Cruise via [mutual connection]' gets attention. 'Via' implies a recommendation without requiring immediate vetting by calling the person.
If mentioning mutual connections, ensure you actually know them well—assume the recipient will immediately text them to verify. Nine times out of ten, the connection says they barely know you, leading to immediate disqualification for misrepresentation.
Keep subject line short. Default to Mr., Mrs., or Ms. for politeness—better to be safe. Avoid casual greetings like 'Hey Tim', 'Yo bro', or 'Yo Ferriss'—risky, shows lack of awareness, reputational risk, auto-archive. Casual approach feels like a stranger hugging you at the airport. Primary job: don't do anything stupid to disqualify the email.
Don't walk up to someone unknown and go for a hug after handshake—assume maximum distance, like in Japan.
Include credibility indicator in subject line, e.g., 'for interview (1 billion+ downloads)' for podcast. Early on, use examples of work showing homework done, e.g., 'No one's watched this, but beautifully edited.'
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