It came from a personal Gmail account. So got past the spam filter and into my inbox. 😑
The guy has probably just begun sending them. So not enough time for people to slam the spam button.
Or they’re going out to such a low number of people, they’re kinda flying beneath the spam radar.
The only reason I’d consider slamming spam on this myself, is because of the tone and the lack of personalization beyond just my first name.
You see… if someone is going to take the time to cold email me….
Be human about it! Talk like a human being!
It doesn’t make me feel so good about listening to you when the first words out of your mouth are, “Your videos are scaring away potential customers.”
Although, kudos to him for having an email footer with all his contact details. And a photo.
That helps.
So here’s what arrived in my inbox…
Dear Chris, Your videos are scaring away potential customers. We all know that first impressions matter, especially online. Is your channel making a statement that truly reflects you?
Let’s chat about how we can enhance your videos.
Reply for a free consultation.
[Footer with name and contact details]
First off… he’s got me all wrong.
He thinks I put out videos to ATTRACT potential customers.
Doesn’t he know their job is to MAKE people run away screaming in horror?
I don’t want just any old “potential customer” riff-raff coming into my world.
Who knows where they’ve been?
And if anyone’s looking for “high production values,” I’m probably not for them.
I’m after people who are like… “That’s a crappy video. But helpful. I wonder if there’s more…”
Or people who wonder what this guy’s all about… and click a certain website link. And sign up to a certain email list.
I’m assuming here that he’s talking about my YouTube videos?!?
I mean… this could just be a spray’n’pray cold email, HOPING that I use videos somewhere.
Who the heck knows?
And then today…
15-days later, I get his follow-up.
A nice, friendly…
“Hi Chris. Just checking in after my last email. Would you like to chat about making your videos stand out even more to your potential customers?”
Err… I WISH it said that!
INSTEAD I get… and it was quoted just like this…
“Ready to elevate your visual story? Let’s transform your footage into an unforgettable masterpiece. With our expert touch, your vision comes to life in stunning detail. Let’s craft magic together. Reach out and let’s make your next project shine!”
I’m sniffing an AI diaper emergency.
And… seriously?… THAT’S the entire body of the email?
No personalization at the top?
No sign-off?
And funniest thing of all… the subject line.
O.M.G.
Exactly the same for the first email and the reply.
It reads…
“Seeking Opportunities: Let’s Team Up”
🤦♂️
How is him fixing my “potential customer”-repellant videos… anything like us “Teaming Up?”
And not really sure what to say about the “Seeking Opportunities” bit.
I guess that means I’m speechless?
If this was me, I’d be leaning HARD into the cold email thing.
Like this…
“Here’s one email you probably wished wasn’t in your inbox”
Upfront. Not trying to pretend it’s something it’s not.
I reckon the curiosity-factor will help with the open rates too. 😁
Now you know how to do better with cold email. Particularly helpful if you ever think about sending a cold pitch to this here cranky old bastard.
But all is not lost with my cold-emailing friend…
Maybe him and I could do a trade?
He could give me some of these supposedly “enhanced” videos.
I could give him a copywriting pointer or two?
Because even a little copywriting skill can go a LONG way for any business. Big or small.
I think it’s fast-becoming a “must”… if you want to keep that human edge. Especially now that our inboxes are fast cluttering up with AI-generated muck.
Maybe I’ll suggest he gets a little training from my friends at AWAI.
A good place to go if you’re needing some foundational persuasive writing skills. AKA copywriting.
Now I’m on the lookout for follow-up email number three.
Can’t wait!
Ready to build your email list? Go here…
EmailForTheWin.com
Chris Milham