Write a check-in, an introduction and a thank-you once, keep them a tap away, and personalize each time you send.
The idea
Most outreach dies at the blank compose window. A template turns "what do I say?" into "which one do I send?", which is a much easier question. The point is to template only the part you'd say to anyone, then add the one detail that makes it theirs: the month you last spoke, how their dog was doing. Done right, they get a personal note and you spend a quarter of the time.
How to do it
Write three: a check-in, an introduction, a thank-you.
Save them where you actually write (email client, phone shortcuts, CRM).
Before sending, pull up your notes and add one real detail.
Add more as you notice yourself typing the same thing twice.
Example
In the book I list other things worth pre-building: a short list of books you like to send, a stack of stamped cards ready for a handwritten line, one or two go-to spots for coffee. Same principle. Decide once so the daily action takes a minute.
Script
Check-in: "Hey! You came to mind this morning. Hope you're doing well!"
Thank-you: "Hey [name], just doing some paperwork and I recall you referred me [person]. They were great to work with. I work almost exclusively via referral, so thank you!"
Watch out for
Sending the template untouched to people who matter. Save the fully templated version for lower-priority lists.
Relatable: Saved templates in Relatable keep these one click away, and your phone's text replacement does a fine impression. How-to: Save and reuse email templates.
Related frameworks
Templatize Your Actions: Template the repetitive parts of your outreach and personalize at send time, so "what do I say?" becomes "which one do I send?"
The Smooch: The smallest possible touchpoint, and the one I've seen work best: 'Hey! You came to mind this morning. Hope you're doing well!'
The Double Opt-In Introduction: Ask both people before connecting them, give a specific reason, and only make introductions both would thank you for.
Say Thank You: A thank-you closes the loop, shows you valued it, gives you another touchpoint and lifts you both; name exactly what their help led to.