Key facts
- Keep it to three short lines: one fact about their company, the result you deliver for companies like it, and a yes or no question.
- CEOs of small and mid-size companies read their own email more than people think.
- At large companies, write to the VP who owns the problem and mention you are happy to loop in the CEO.
- At companies under about 200 people, the CEO often decides or knows who does.
When is the CEO the right person?
At companies under about 200 people, the CEO often decides or knows who does. At large companies, the CEO is the final sign-off and rarely the first contact.
What do CEOs answer?
Outcomes in their words: revenue, cost, risk and time. Skip the feature list. Mention something they said publicly or something on their website that shows you looked.
What if they forward it?
That is a good result. "Passing this to Sam" gives you a warm introduction to the right person.
How to write to a CEO
- Find the CEO
Search chief executive, founder or president with company size and industry.
- Read their website and news
Pick one fact you can use.
- Write three lines
Fact, outcome, question.
- Follow up briefly
Three short follow-ups, then stop.
When does Buzzlist fit, and when does it not?
It fits when
- You sell something a CEO cares about: growth, cost or risk.
It does not fit when
- You sell a tool used by one team. Email that team's leader instead.
Questions people ask next
Do CEOs read cold email?
Many at smaller companies do. At large companies an assistant often reads first.
Should I copy their assistant?
No. Write to one person at a time.
Can Buzz write the email?
On paid plans Buzz Drafts writes four emails per person from their company website.
Can I research the company first?
Yes. A Sales Brief covers what changed, who to contact and what to ask.