Is E-mail the lead format of co YES
say’s Charlotte Hogg, Founder of Gather & Throw
It is email that I have relied upon throughout my career – in fact, really, it is where it all started. I am a huge fan of reading and by complete chance I picked up Paul Carr’s ‘Bringing Nothing to The Party,’ which details Paul’s adventures as a journalist and entrepreneur.
For
me, it was the best book I had ever read and made me certain that I would like to explore the London tech scene. It was the first time I had randomly emailed someone but Paul had an email address on his blog so with nothing to lose, I typed a few lines:
‘Paul, what a read! You are an incredible individual and a great writer. I am suitably inspired by your adventures and hope I can one day be part of the fun – I have always been in love with the digital world. Thanks for a solid 48 hours entertainment, Charlotte’.
I got nothing back but a few months later I left my role in a leading advertising agency to explore the world of start ups. The book had hugely influenced this decision and despite not having had a response I sent another email.
‘Paul, I emailed a few weeks back so sorry for sending another. I just
28 entrepreneurcountry
wanted to let you know that I have left my grown up job to explore start- ups! Eeek! Can’t wait. Thank you!.’
Less than a week later I was invited by Paul to a party with almost everyone he had mentioned in the book. Paul, and his friends, changed my life and shaped my career.
I have clients, mentors and friends who I have met in a very similar fashion. I have emailed people all over the world after watching them on YouTube or having read an article, a book or a tweet. I have emailed secret millionaires and entrepreneurs who have pitched in ‘the Den’ after their appearance on the show, speakers, celebrities – pretty much anyone who has inspired, interested or impressed me. I use google to find some sort of contact address – perhaps a generic email address to their business, an address for recruitment (this is a great trick), complaints, media… You get the idea, and whilst I didn’t realise it
initially, most of
the emails I send tend to follow a certain format. Complimentary, a very short introduction to me and my latest adventure and then, to close, a thank you for inspiring me and please let me know if I can ever return the favour. Simple and yet,
seemingly, fairly effective.
Almost everything, from my break into this industry through to supporting my best friend in his moment of need, has been significantly more effective and impactful as a result of my network. My network has been built predominantly by e-mailing people who I have found to be interesting or inspiring using any means possible. My biggest mistake would have been underestimating the generosity of many individuals I admire and aspire to for if
I had
done this, I would never have sent the many messages which all have, in some way, changed my life and developed my career.
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