018: Erika Veurink's Art Of The Intro Email
Start your shmoozing
This week, NY-based writer and ‘brand-person’, Erika Veurink, is here with a masterclass on the art of the intro email.
Having written for titles like New York Magazine, Vogue, and WSJ Buyside, Erika knows a thing or two about a thing or two. My saved folders are full of her hot takes, well-researched recommendations and very chic things from her Instagram and TikTok.
Get ready to level up your intro-email-ante.
That’s Niche: The Art Of The Intro Email
Erika’s Expertise:
Living and working in New York, everyone is one degree of separation apart. I can still remember being set up over email for the first time after grad school. It was such a rush—someone cared enough to intro me to someone else! Since then, I've been refining the art.
Provide a clear indication of the Venn diagram connecting the two people you’re setting up.
People are mysterious. Provide an ample amount of common ground or at least a clear reason why you’re sending this email in the first place.
Create an “intros” folder for who knows when.
You never know when you might be wondering if you did end up setting two people after a long dinner where you mentioned doing so in passing? Best to keep your wires uncrossed.
Give without asking.
An intro email is a gift. There’s no keeping score or asking for anything in return. Human connection is enough!
If asking for an intro, provide a draft.
Making an ask? I like to outline the aforementioned Venn diagram of me and the person I’m asking to be introduced to so that the sender is crystal clear.
Surprise + delight.
Yes, it’s best practice to get both parties to opt in to an intro email, but sometimes I like to keep people on their toes with a friend set up over email. What bliss! An email you can actually get excited about receiving out of the blue.
Introducing people over email is good karma. Don’t be effusive. Try to be a little creative. Know it’ll all come back tenfold in the end.
Erika writing an intro email
Misc Recs
Unrelated things Erika likes that you might, too
📚 Kindle eReader
For borrowing books from the library. I bought mine refurbished on eBay.
🕯️ D.S & Durga Holy Ficus Candle
To burn while working on a writing project—love a little sensory motivation.
📞 Deep Work
by Cal Newport about the idea of using your phone as a tool.
🛍️ Noihsaf Bazaar
For the most curated secondhand shopping experience online.
If Erika’s inspired you to set more people up, I’m always available for a corporate first date. In the meantime, see you next week for Josh Raiffe’s guide to glass blowing.