Because warming them up beats showing up cold
If you’ve ever sent a cold email that felt a little too… chilly, you’re not alone. Most prospects don’t respond because, to them, you’re a stranger sliding into their inbox uninvited. But what if you could make sure they knew you, even just a little, before that first email ever goes out? That’s where pre-outreach relationship building comes in. And no, it doesn’t require stalking, ninja-level persuasion, or pretending to love their company’s latest corporate jargon-filled press release.
Think of it as the warm handshake before the sales conversation. A touchpoint here, a tiny interaction there, and suddenly, when your name pops up in their inbox, you’re not “another vendor.” You’re the familiar face who occasionally drops thoughtful comments or shares insights that align with their world. It’s like sending a friend request to their brain long before you send an email to their inbox.
LinkedIn is your playground here. Start by quietly engaging with their posts, not in a “great post!” bot-style way, but with comments that add value. One-liners won’t cut it. Show you understand their industry, their challenges, and their perspective. The goal isn’t to impress them; it’s to become visible. Consistency builds familiarity, and familiarity builds the foundation for trust. Bonus: it doesn’t take much time and keeps you top of mind without being creepy or overly calculated.
Another powerful move? Join the conversations happening around the content they already engage with. If your prospect comments on a post about emerging cyber threats or vendor risk management, jump in with your own insight. Not directed at them, just participating in the same space. It creates a natural sense of shared context. In their mind, you’re someone who “gets it,” not someone trying to sell them something before even understanding their world.
Don’t forget your own content. You don’t need to post every day or turn LinkedIn into your personal TED Talk stage, but sharing the occasional thoughtful take does wonders for credibility. When prospects see that you’re active, informed, and not screaming “BUY FROM ME,” it makes the follow-up outreach feel more like conversation and less like solicitation. People love connecting with people who sound human, not like email automation gone rogue.
Finally, make your interactions intentional but not intense. A light touch goes a long way. Don’t bombard them with likes, messages, or sudden pitchy comments. The goal isn’t to rush the relationship; it’s to nurture it. Think of it like planting seeds, no one stares at the soil expecting sprouts in 24 hours. Give it time. Let your presence work quietly in the background.
By the time you hit “send” on that first email, your prospects will already feel like they know you, and your outreach becomes less cold and a lot more welcome. It’s simple, effective, and honestly, way more fun than chasing strangers.
Ready to turn cold outreach into warm, strategic connections? Let’s build your pre-outreach presence and pipeline the right way. Reach out to us and let’s make your next message land with impact.