Cold Open Craft

First messages that actually get responses.

Reaching out to someone you don't know — for networking, a job, a collaboration, or a favor? Describe who and why, and ColdOpenCraft generates 3 openers ranked by boldness (safe, balanced, bold), explains the psychology behind each, includes a follow-up plan, and warns you what NOT to say. Channel-specific for email, LinkedIn, DM, or in-person.

Overview

ColdOpenCraft is for anyone who needs to reach out to a stranger and doesn't want to sound like spam. It generates three openers at different boldness levels, each with the psychology explained, estimated response rates, and guidance on when to use which version. Includes a follow-up plan with timing, a backup message, and the 'power move' nuclear option.

How to use it

  1. Describe who you're reaching out to and their role/context
  2. Explain why — what you want from this connection
  3. Pick the channel (email, LinkedIn, DM, text, in-person)
  4. Add what you know about them for much more specific openers
  5. Choose your boldness level preference
  6. Pick your favorite opener and copy it

Example

Scenario: You want to pitch your startup to a podcast host for a guest appearance.

What you do: Enter who (podcast host), why (guest pitch), channel (email), what you know about them.

Result: Three openers: a safe professional pitch, a balanced one that leads with a specific episode reference, and a bold one that opens with a contrarian take on their recent topic. Plus subject line, follow-up timing, and what NOT to say.

Tips