I think it is more important to connect with them in the first email. All of the advice in the world will be for naught if they don't know you.
I always start with my name and relation to them (Sponsor/Co-sponsor). Then I tell them that I am a real person and offer my help. I don't usually go into details of my offers, contests, etc. in the first email. "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
The goal should simply be to get them to respond. You want them to write back to you. You can't really help anyone until you hear from them. Just be pleasant, friendly and positive. Smile while you write an email, it really comes across in what you say.
I also personalize it to them. I look to see what country/state they are from (find it in their profile by clicking on their name in your genealogy). I look up the most common language in their area and I look up how many people from that country are in SFI (I use a2a to search for members in their country). I then say something like: "Did you know we have over 130 people from Zambia as members? That is just the ones who are registered as a2a members. They are willing (as am I) to help you in any language (including Swahili)."
I always put my contact information at the end. Signing with your name, rank (EA,BTL,etc.) email address (or any other ways you use to contact people, ie: phone # skype, etc.) I sometimes include my Leadership Page link, so they can learn about me with our risking contact.
The more comfortable you can help them feel about talking to, listening to you or even just reading your emails, the more chance you have of helping them grow. Fast-Track or Standing Order are great things to take advantage of, but shoving such advice down their throat when you first talk to them will only get you ignored. Plus it sounds like you only want them to buy something so you can make money off of them.
I believe if you are not out to help others get what they want, you are in the wrong business.
Another way to get a response is to ask them a question. Keep it simple or they won't take the time to answer. Even "How can I help?" can be too much. They may not know yet what they need. Better questions would be do they speak another language, why did they join SFI, what do they like best about SFI, etc. But only one question is best. Too many and they won't answer any.
I really hope this helps. I see so many answers say what advice to give them, but really, you just want to make contact and connect with them in a way that lets you in the door to communicate further. Best Wishes to all.
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I think it is more important to connect with them in the first email. All of the advice in the world will be for naught if they don't know you.
I always start with my name and relation to them (Sponsor/Co-sponsor). Then I tell them that I am a real person and offer my help. I don't usually go into details of my offers, contests, etc. in the first email. "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
The goal should simply be to get them to respond.
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