#409 - LinkedIn DM Autopsy: Watch us Fix These Common Mistakes

📫 Don't miss the best cold outreach tips, join the newsletter - https://quickmail.com/newsletter About this episode (#410): Jeremy and Jack are back in the studio breaking down a pair of cold outreach messages, including one that went viral on LinkedIn. They explore what worked, what didn't, and how small tweaks in tone and structure can make a big difference in response rates. The episode dives into writing conversational, curiosity-driven messages that actually open doors on LinkedIn. Key Topics: Why starting a cold message with a question can be risky but sometimes effective The problem with jargon and why clarity always wins How to use the CCQ framework (Compliment, Commonality, Question) to personalize outreach Rewriting a LinkedIn message to sound more natural and human How to balance curiosity with clarity in a short LinkedIn connection note The difference between opening a conversation and selling right away How strategy and product positioning tie directly into outreach campaigns   This teardown shows how small writing decisions shape your outreach success. Whether you're writing LinkedIn DMs or cold emails, the goal isn't to pitch, it's to connect. About the hosts:  Jack Reamer founded SalesBread.com – the lead generation agency that brings B2B companies 1 lead per day by sending ultra-personalized LinkedIn messages and cold emails. Show listeners can book a free, 15-minute lead generation brainstorm session here: https://salesbread.com/contact/ Jeremy Chatelaine founded QuickMail.com – the most performant cold email platform to get replies, thanks to industry-leading features such as Deliverability AI and Advanced Stats. Start your trial today here: https://quickmail.com  

About this episode (#409): In this episode, Jack and Jeremy sit down with sales legend Josh Braun to explore how to start smarter, more effective cold outreach conversations. They break down Josh's "poke the bear" method, a way to uncover hidden pain points without triggering resistance, and share practical tips for making prospects pause, think, and actually want to talk to you. Key topics discussed: Why cold outreach fails when it starts with pitching or convincing How to "poke the bear" by asking questions that expose invisible problems Real-life examples from malls, car washes, and contractor bids that illustrate the method How to use emotional echoing to make people feel truly understood Why it's better to walk away from a bad fit than try to force a sale  How to tailor your message based on job titles and switching risks What Chris Voss taught Josh about silence, trust, and listening for truth The best cold outreach doesn't push, it creates a moment of reflection. Ask the right question, listen well, and let your prospect talk themselves into the next step. About the hosts: Jack Reamer founded SalesBread.com – the lead generation agency that brings B2B companies 1 lead per day by sending ultra-personalized LinkedIn messages and cold emails. Show listeners can book a free, 15-minute lead generation brainstorm session here: https://salesbread.com/contact/ Jeremy Chatelaine founded QuickMail.com – the most performant cold email platform to get replies, thanks to industry-leading features such as Deliverability AI and Advanced Stats. Start your trial today here: https://quickmail.com

About this episode (#407): In this episode, Jack and Jeremy break down a bold connection request on LinkedIn that skips the usual small talk and goes straight for the pitch. They debate whether this "go for the kill" approach ever works in cold outreach, and if so, under what conditions. Along the way, they define a framework for when pitching in a connection request might actually make sense and when it's still a terrible idea. Key topics discussed in this episode: Why most people shouldn't pitch in a connection request The rare exceptions where a direct pitch can work The role of curiosity, pain, and timing in message effectiveness What makes a product demo-worthy based on novelty alone Real-world examples of campaigns that broke the rules and won  The blurred line between "product-market fit" and compelling messaging When list-building and timing matter more than copy itself This teardown shows that even hard rules in cold outreach have exceptions if your offer hits the right nerve. Jack and Jeremy unpack what it takes to earn a "yes" at first touch and how to craft messages people actually want to reply to. About the hosts: Jack Reamer founded SalesBread.com – the lead generation agency that brings B2B companies 1 lead per day by sending ultra-personalized LinkedIn messages and cold emails. Show listeners can book a free, 15-minute lead generation brainstorm session here: https://salesbread.com/contact/ Jeremy Chatelaine founded QuickMail.com – the most performant cold email platform to get replies, thanks to industry-leading features such as Deliverability AI and Advanced Stats. Start your trial today here: https://quickmail.com  

About this episode (#406): In this episode, Jack and Jeremy revisit the question: should AI be trusted to write and send first-line personalization in cold outreach? It's late Q2 2025, and AI tools are smarter than ever. But are they smart enough to handle something as nuanced (and reputation-sensitive) as email intros without human review? The guys go deep on how far the tech has come, what's still risky, and where it might actually make sense in your workflow. Key topics discussed in this episode: Why letting AI send unchecked intro lines is still a risky move How the quality of personalization has improved and where it still breaks Why buyer awareness of AI is making personalization harder, not easier The evolving role of the first line (and why the PS line might be safer) What makes a smart AI prompt and how to reduce hallucination risk Testing AI-generated personalization vs. handcrafted lines When AI might make sense for high-volume outbound vs. niche campaigns This episode is a no-fluff look at what AI can and can't do for outbound personalization in 2025. Jack and Jeremy break down the tradeoffs, the risks, and where smart filters and prompts can actually help without wrecking your reply rates. About the hosts: Jack Reamer founded SalesBread.com – the lead generation agency that brings B2B companies 1 lead per day by sending ultra-personalized LinkedIn messages and cold emails. Show listeners can book a free, 15-minute lead generation brainstorm session here: https://salesbread.com/contact/ Jeremy Chatelaine founded QuickMail.com – the most performant cold email platform to get replies, thanks to industry-leading features such as Deliverability AI and Advanced Stats. Start your trial today here: https://quickmail.com  

About this episode (#405): In this episode, Jack and Jeremy run a two-part teardown of real cold outreach messages. They start by analyzing a LinkedIn message that pitches AI agents for lead generation, then break down a clever follow-up email from a SaaS tool the recipient had signed up for months earlier. You'll hear what worked, what didn't, and how to write outreach that actually gets replies, whether your audience is ice cold or just cooling off. Key topics discussed in this episode: Why vague or generic subject lines instantly signal cold outreach - The dangers of pitching without credibility, proof, or a clear ask How to use curiosity properly in cold messages (and when it backfires) Why offering value or reciprocity makes outreach more effective A teardown of a SaaS follow-up email that used a "you never used your free credits" angle The difference between cold, warm, and "lukewarm" outreach (and why lukewarm might be your best audience) How small, specific asks can increase reply rates This episode is a masterclass in cold outreach psychology, whether your leads are brand new or just haven't heard from you in a while.  About the hosts: Jack Reamer founded SalesBread.com – the lead generation agency that brings B2B companies 1 lead per day by sending ultra-personalized LinkedIn messages and cold emails. Show listeners can book a free, 15-minute lead generation brainstorm session here: https://salesbread.com/contact/ Jeremy Chatelaine founded QuickMail.com – the most performant cold email platform to get replies, thanks to industry-leading features such as Deliverability AI and Advanced Stats. Start your trial today here: https://quickmail.com

📫  Don't miss the best cold outreach tips, join the newsletter - https://quickmail.com/newsletter About this episode (#404): In this episode, Jeremy and Jack dive into a smarter way to structure follow-up emails in cold outreach. Instead of repeating the same call-to-action (CTA) or simply lowering commitment levels, they introduce a sales-letter-inspired approach using upsells and downsells to increase engagement and conversions over time. Key Topics Discussed:  Why sending the same CTA in follow-ups is a missed opportunity Introducing a follow-up "ladder" with escalating and descending offers The psychology behind "foot in the door" vs. "door in the face" techniques Using varied offers (video, guest post, webinar, trial) to maintain attention and add value Why the third ask might get a "yes" even if the first two didn't How to keep leads in your universe (e.g. newsletter, YouTube) even if they're not ready to buy The importance of investing thought into offers, not just copy, during outreach planning This episode is a goldmine for anyone running outbound campaigns and tired of stale follow-ups. Rethink your offers, make your asks more strategic, and turn "no response" into lasting brand engagement. About the hosts: Jack Reamer founded SalesBread.com – the lead generation agency that brings B2B companies 1 lead per day by sending ultra-personalized LinkedIn messages and cold emails. Show listeners can book a free, 15-minute lead generation brainstorm session here: https://salesbread.com/contact/ Jeremy Chatelaine founded QuickMail.com – the most performant cold email platform to get replies, thanks to industry-leading features such as Deliverability AI and Advanced Stats. Start your trial today here: https://quickmail.com

In this episode, Jeremy from QuickMail and Jack from SalesBread tackle a tough question from a head of growth at a small B2B SaaS company: How do you succeed in cold outreach when your product lacks a clear edge in a crowded market? The two dive into real-world tactics and mindset shifts that can help founders and marketers compete against bigger players even without a flashy differentiator. Key Topics Discussed: The importance of market education and timing when entering a saturated niche Competing on price: the most basic but often effective strategy for early traction Why strong marketing can outperform a superior product Alternative ways to position your offer—such as "trial as a gift" Why commoditized tools (like email verification) need creative outreach angles Using consulting or audits as a Trojan Horse to sell your core software The game-changing idea of targeting consultants and incentivizing them with affiliate deals Whether you're selling "salt" or software, you don't need to reinvent the wheel to succeed. With smart positioning, pricing, and outreach strategy, even undifferentiated products can win. This episode is packed with actionable gems for any B2B founder trying to get traction in a tough market. About the hosts: Jack Reamer founded SalesBread.com – the lead generation agency that brings B2B companies 1 lead per day by sending ultra-personalized LinkedIn messages and cold emails. Show listeners can book a free, 15-minute lead generation brainstorm session here: https://salesbread.com/contact/ Jeremy Chatelaine founded QuickMail.com – the most performant cold email platform to get replies, thanks to industry-leading features such as Deliverability AI and Advanced Stats. Start your trial today here: https://quickmail.com

In this rapid-fire episode, Jack and Jeremy tackle six cold email and outreach questions submitted by listener Trey. From proper greetings and cultural nuances to incentives and defining success, the hosts share actionable insights based on real-world experience. Whether you're new to outreach or refining your strategy, this episode has something for every B2B emailer. Key topics discussed: - Why using "Hello" in cold email greetings can sound too formal or robotic - The importance of matching your tone to your recipient's culture or geographic location - Using industry-specific language to better connect with your prospects (e.g., "What are y'all building?") - Clarifying the definition of a "qualified lead" versus a "prospect" - Measuring the success of cold email campaigns based on conversations started, not just closed sales - Offering gift cards or incentives in exchange for sales calls — when it works and when it doesn't - The psychology of value perception when offering monetary incentives This episode is packed with practical advice, real examples, and a few laughs as Jack and Jeremy explore what really works in cold outreach. Big thanks to Trey for the thoughtful questions — keep them coming! About the hosts: Jack Reamer founded SalesBread.com – the lead generation agency that brings B2B companies 1 lead per day by sending ultra-personalized LinkedIn messages and cold emails. Show listeners can book a free, 15-minute lead generation brainstorm session here: https://salesbread.com/contact/ Jeremy Chatelaine founded QuickMail.com – the most performant cold email platform to get replies, thanks to industry-leading features such as Deliverability AI and Advanced Stats. Start your trial today here: https://quickmail.com

In this episode, Jack and Jeremy break down a simple, no-fluff cold email strategy to help you land your first sales meetings—even if you're starting from scratch. No marketing budget, no followers, no fancy tools—just a clear step-by-step process to get conversations started with your ideal customers. Key Notes:  How to define your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) without overthinking it Why starting with just 20–30 hand-picked prospects is more effective than buying a list The exact cold email script you can send to "dead leads" to re-engage them Tips for writing personalized, human emails without using any automation How to craft a value-driven follow-up that surprises and engages your prospect Why simple yes/no call-to-actions outperform vague "let me know" language When and how to scale up your outreach once the manual process starts working If you've been hesitant to start cold outreach, this episode will show you that it's not only doable—it can be fun and effective. Tune in to learn the baby steps that lead to big wins in sales. About the hosts: Jack Reamer founded SalesBread.com – the lead generation agency that brings B2B companies 1 lead per day by sending ultra-personalized LinkedIn messages and cold emails. Show listeners can book a free, 15-minute lead generation brainstorm session here: https://salesbread.com/contact/ Jeremy Chatelaine founded QuickMail.com – the most performant cold email platform to get replies, thanks to industry-leading features such as Deliverability AI and Advanced Stats. Start your trial today here: https://quickmail.com

In this episode, Jack and Jeremy dive into the brutal reality of the one-second test that every cold email must pass. They explore the psychological and structural cues that influence whether a prospect replies—or hits delete almost instantly. Key Notes:  Why you only have 100 milliseconds to make a first impression The importance of email layout, subject line, and paragraph length How visual and sender identity cues (like avatar and display name) can make or break your outreach The red flags of impersonal or poorly set-up automations (e.g., email addresses instead of names) Why the first sentence must immediately answer "Is this for me?" The value of smart, skimmable call-to-actions and how placement affects response rates Why unsubscribe links, oversized signatures, and fake flattery can kill trust—and how to fix them Whether you're running outbound campaigns or fine-tuning your cold outreach game, this episode offers practical, nuanced tips to help your emails survive the one-second test and stand out in crowded inboxes. About the hosts: Jack Reamer founded SalesBread.com – the lead generation agency that brings B2B companies 1 lead per day by sending ultra-personalized LinkedIn messages and cold emails. Show listeners can book a free, 15-minute lead generation brainstorm session here: https://salesbread.com/contact/ Jeremy Chatelaine founded QuickMail.com – the most performant cold email platform to get replies, thanks to industry-leading features such as Deliverability AI and Advanced Stats. Start your trial today here: https://quickmail.com