Podcast Title: Help Wanted
Episode: How To Turn Cold Outreach Into a Lasting Network
Release Date: December 26, 2024
Host/Author: Money News Network
Hosts: Jason Feifer (Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine) and Nicole Lapin (Money Expert)
Guest: Julie Griggs (Co-founder of Foreplay Social)

Introduction

In the December 26, 2024 episode of Help Wanted, hosted by Jason Feifer and Nicole Lapin, the discussion centers on transforming cold outreach efforts into enduring professional networks. The hosts delve into the nuances of effective communication, the importance of genuine relationship-building, and share a compelling guest story that exemplifies successful outreach strategies.

The Dichotomy of Cold Outreach: Good vs. Bad Emails

Jason Feifer opens the conversation by addressing the common pitfalls of cold emailing. He emphasizes the educational aspect of the show—highlighting poor examples to teach listeners how to improve their own outreach efforts. Nicole Lapin concurs, noting the importance of learning from others' mistakes without embarrassing them:

Nicole Lapin [01:05]: "It's about learning and following and rinsing and repeating and sending the best emails you possibly can."

They transition to showcasing a positive example of a cold email that stood out, sent by Julie Griggs. Julie’s email to Nicole was not only well-crafted but also sincere, leading to her invitation to the show. This stands in stark contrast to the less effective examples the hosts discuss.

Illustrative Examples of Cold Outreach

To highlight what constitutes ineffective outreach, Jason Feifer shares a particularly poor example of a LinkedIn DM he received:

Jason Feifer [03:04]: "Hi, Jason. I am currently gainfully employed, which is strange because the person's bio says currently unemployed... Why would I do that?"

Nicole Lapin criticizes such messages for lacking genuine value and personalization:

Nicole Lapin [03:36]: "What an asshole."

In juxtaposition, Julie Griggs provides a narrative of her successful approach to outreach, demonstrating the stark differences between thoughtful, value-driven communication and generic, impersonal messages.

Julie Griggs: A Case Study in Effective Outreach

Julie Griggs, the co-founder of Foreplay Social—a dating app designed for single friends to double date—shares her journey into networking and funding her startup. Coming from a healthcare background, Julie emphasizes the transferability of human connection skills to the entrepreneurial realm.

Building a Network with Intention

Julie explains that her outreach is not about mass messaging but being intentional and selective about whom she connects with:

Julie Griggs [05:20]: "It's more thoughtful and it's more intentional with who I'm reaching out to."

She discusses the challenges of attracting investment, especially when many unsolicited messages lack depth or understanding of her work. Julie’s approach involves meaningful engagement, grounded in shared values and mutual success.

Transition from Healthcare to Entrepreneurship

Julie reflects on how her background in healthcare, particularly in primary care, has honed her interpersonal skills, allowing her to build genuine, non-transactional relationships:

Julie Griggs [23:09]: "It's about being really good at building relationships. That's what I have ultimately seen."

She underscores the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in business success, highlighting that understanding and valuing individuals fosters stronger connections within her startup and beyond.

The Earth Metaphor: Understanding Personal Depth

Morgan Lavoy, the show's executive producer, introduces a metaphor comparing people to Earth’s layers to explain personal connections:

Morgan Lavoy [28:13]: "People are like the Earth... the crust is the surface, the mantle is the comfortably personal layer, and the core is the deepest, most private part."

This analogy illustrates the challenge of moving beyond superficial interactions to form more meaningful relationships. Julie agrees, adding:

Julie Griggs [29:48]: "Human connection and being able to form a relationship is critical to being successful both externally but also even just within our own startup."

Evolution of Relationships Over Time

The episode takes an unexpected turn when Morgan Lavoy reveals that the initial recording with Julie occurred two years prior but was never aired due to an abrupt end in the session. This revelation emphasizes the enduring value of genuine connections formed through persistent and meaningful outreach.

Julie Griggs reflects on how continuous, heartfelt engagement has transformed professional relationships into personal friendships:

Julie Griggs [34:19]: "You are extremely valuable. I've actually gotten a ton from the three of you... I have a lifelong friendship now."

Practical Strategies for Successful Cold Outreach

Throughout the episode, the hosts and Julie share actionable insights for listeners aiming to enhance their networking efforts:

1. Be Intentional and Thoughtful: Avoid mass messaging; instead, tailor your communication to the individual’s values and interests.

2. Build Genuine Relationships: Focus on long-term connections rather than immediate gains. Julie's approach to fostering meaningful interactions exemplifies this strategy.

3. Leverage Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and empathizing with others enhances the quality of interactions and builds stronger networks.

4. Move Beyond Small Talk: As highlighted by Morgan’s Earth analogy, delve deeper into conversations to uncover shared interests and values.

5. Provide Value Before Asking for Favors: Julie’s initial outreach was grounded in mutual growth and support, setting a positive foundation for future collaboration.

Notable Quotes

• Nicole Lapin [01:05]: "It's about learning and following and rinsing and repeating and sending the best emails you possibly can."

• Jason Feifer [05:18]: "How do you bridge that gulf? And you did it by taking the smallest step first and then trying to build from there."

• Morgan Lavoy [28:13]: "People are like the Earth... the crust is the surface, the mantle is the comfortably personal layer, and the core is the deepest, most private part."

• Julie Griggs [34:19]: "You are extremely valuable. I've actually gotten a ton from the three of you... I have a lifelong friendship now."

Conclusions and Key Takeaways

The episode underscores that effective cold outreach transcends mere transactional communication. By approaching networking with intentionality, empathy, and a focus on genuine relationship-building, individuals can transform initial contacts into lasting professional and personal networks. Julie Griggs’ story serves as a testament to the power of thoughtful outreach and the profound impact it can have on one’s career and personal life.

Listeners are encouraged to adopt these strategies to enhance their own networking efforts, leveraging meaningful connections to foster growth, support, and mutual success.

Final Thoughts

As the episode concludes, Julie shares heartfelt appreciation for the hosts and the unexpected depth of the relationships formed:

Julie Griggs [32:51]: "I have gotten a ton of value from the three of you... I've gotten a ton from the three of you, whether you realize it or not. A ton."

The hosts echo her sentiments, highlighting the mutual benefits of sincere networking and the importance of viewing professional relationships as opportunities for personal growth and companionship.

For those seeking to refine their cold outreach strategies and build more meaningful professional networks, this episode of Help Wanted offers invaluable insights and real-world examples of success through intentional and empathetic communication.