Free to use and edit. This is a starting point, not legal advice. Check the email and privacy rules that apply where you and the recipient are based.
Template
Subject: [Your firm] and [their stated focus]: a short question Hi [First name], I'm [your name], [role] at [your firm]. We [one line on what your firm does]. I'm writing because [their firm] [one public fact, for example "lists healthcare services as a focus on its website"]. [One or two sentences on why this may be relevant to them.] Would you be open to [one small ask, for example "a 15-minute call next week" or "me sending a two-page summary"]? If this isn't relevant, a one-word reply is enough and I won't contact you again. [Your name] [Title, firm] [Phone] | [Website]
How to use each part
- Subject. Name the topic and their stated focus. Avoid words like "opportunity" on their own.
- Context. One sentence on who you are. They should know what your firm does by the end of it.
- Reason for contact. One public fact, ideally something they can check. This is what separates your message from a mass email.
- Relevance. Keep it to what you can support. Leave out returns and claims you cannot back up.
- Ask. One small step. Two asks halve the chance of either.
- Opt-out. A plain line that makes saying no easy. Honor it.
Before you send
- The fact you cite is current and from a source you can name
- The message is addressed to one person
- No attachments on a first message
- You have checked the office does not ask for proposals through another channel