TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
- Reply within 1 business hour during IST work windows.
- Keep replies to 3–5 short lines; end with one small, specific ask.
- Track every thread; follow up after 3–5 working days (max 2 total).
- Measure: reply rate, time-to-first-reply, and booked calls / 100 DMs.
Why reply-first matters
Prospects trust ops that respond quickly and thoughtfully. “Reply-first” isn’t spammy speed; it’s useful speed—one clear next step, plus proof you read their note.
Fast checklist
- Window: Tue–Thu 10:00–12:00, 15:00–18:00 IST.
- Message shape: who you are → why them → one proof line → one ask.
- Follow-ups: one gentle nudge after 3–5 working days; stop after 2.
- Tracker: date, contact, reason, status, follow-up due.
Copy-paste starters (edit the {...})
-
“Hi {Name}, noticed your {post/project}. Built {mini proof} for {similar ICP}.
Open to 15 min this week, or is there a better contact for {topic}?” -
“Hi {Name}, loved {feature/case study}. We run reply-first outbound for {ICP}.
Can I send a one-pager, or is there a preferred channel?”
Mini tracker (copy this)
Date | Name | Company | Why them | Status | Follow-up due ---|---|---|---|---|--- 2025-10-04 | A. Mehta | Acme | hiring SDRs | sent | 2025-10-09
Final send checklist
- Role clear in line 1?
- One personal line about them?
- One proof line?
- One small ask?
- “No rush / Happy to wait” soft close?