Templates without context are useless. Here are five templates plus the psychology of why they work.
"Saw your comment on Liam's post about ICP scoring — your line about 'firmographics aren't intent' was the best take I read this week. Quick question: how are you thinking about the gap between fit and timing right now?"
Why it works: You've proven you read the comment. You've quoted them. You're treating them as a peer with an opinion worth following up on. No pitch.
"You and I both engaged with [post]. We're probably solving similar problems — mind if I share what's working for us?"
Why it works: Identifies a shared signal. Asks permission. Low-pressure.
"Building [thing they talked about] is hard. I made a one-pager on the 5 mistakes we made — happy to send if useful, no strings."
Why it works: Offers something concrete with no ask. Reciprocity does the rest.
"I'm interviewing 20 founders this month about how they're handling [problem]. Your post on [topic] suggests you've thought about this. 15 minutes for me to learn, no pitch — open to it?"
Why it works: Frames the ask as research, not sales. Specific time bound. Explicit "no pitch" promise.
"[Mutual connection] mentioned you'd be a good person to ask about [topic]. Mind a quick question?"
Why it works: Implied warmth from the mutual. Don't use unless the mention is real.
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