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Copy GuideMarch 27, 20266 min read
Stop Apologizing in Cold Emails
Swap weak for strong.
apologyconfidencecopyApology vs Confidence
| Don't | Do |
|---|---|
| Sorry to bother you | I noticed [specific thing about them] |
| I know you're busy | One quick question |
| I hope you don't mind | [Direct ask or value] |
| Apologies for the cold email | I'm reaching out because [reason] |
Mindset Reframe
I'm interrupting
→I'm offering something relevant
They'll think I'm spam
→If my message fits, it's not spam
I need to soften the ask
→Clear and direct gets more respect
Words that weaken: words that kill cold emails. Authentic voice: what makes outreach authentic.
FAQ
Won't I seem rude without apologizing?
No. Polite and confident beats apologetic. You're not asking for a favor - you're starting a conversation. Confidence reads as competence.
What if I'm genuinely interrupting?
If your message is relevant, it's not an interruption - it's useful. If it's not relevant, the problem isn't the apology, it's the targeting. See how to personalize at scale.
Should I never say sorry in outreach?
In cold email, avoid opening with it. If they reply with feedback or a problem, then 'sorry' is appropriate. Context matters.