Pitch in coffee chat or better to stay concise?
Hi monkeys,
Target school stem major w/incoming sa at bb here. After my sa stint, I only have one semester of school left and want to do an off cycle internship at a boutique/lmm energy/infra fund. Have been doing cold outreaches to alum with a very low response rate.
In some messages, I’ve been keeping it very concise, and in some I’ve been including an investing question/a potential underserved market (3-4 sentences) and am wondering whether it’s better to keep it concise or include this so the message is more interesting?
Would like to hear your thoughts.
How about having some fun?
This is my fun.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, keeping your initial outreach concise is generally more effective. Investment professionals, especially those at boutiques or LMM funds, are often pressed for time and may not engage with lengthy messages. A short, well-crafted email that clearly states who you are, why you're reaching out, and a specific ask (e.g., a quick coffee chat or phone call) tends to yield better results.
However, adding a thoughtful touch—like a brief mention of an investing question or an underserved market—can make your message stand out, provided it’s relevant and doesn’t make the email too long. The key is balance: keep the message short and to the point while showing genuine interest in their work or expertise.
For example: - Start with a concise introduction (your background and why you’re reaching out). - Mention your interest in their niche (energy/infra) and a specific reason for contacting them. - End with a clear, actionable ask (e.g., “Would you have 10-15 minutes for a quick chat about your experience?”).
Avoid overloading the email with too much detail upfront. Save deeper discussions or pitches for the actual coffee chat or call, where you can tailor your points based on their responses.
Sources: Guide: Cold Contacting Investment Bankers For Non Targets, Something wrong with my cold email?, Guide: Cold Contacting Investment Bankers For Non Targets, Should I get straight to the point in my cold email?
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