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Let’s be real —

most school business classes teach you how to make a pitch deck…

Not how to actually get people to say yes.

When I was boostrapping my property management business from $0 to six figures, almost every deal I closed are over cold emails and cold phone calls — occasionally meeting at random diners.

No fancy network. No sales team.
Just me, a laptop, and a Google Doc of names.

This is NOT in your business class textbook.

But it works. Here's how:

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But FIRST

If you are new, welcome to OCE’s weekly newsletter curated for the ambitious youth…here are some articles you missed from previous weeks:

1. Know who you're actually trying to reach

You can have the perfect message — but if it’s going to the wrong person? Doesn’t matter.

Figure out your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP). It’s just a fancy way of saying:

• What industry or niche are they in?
• What's their function (e.g. Designer, Lender, Agent?)
• What pain are they feeling that you can solve?

You don’t need it to be perfect — just clear enough to start testing.

2. Build a “good enough” list

Most people get stuck here trying to build the perfect list of leads. Don’t.

You just need enough names to start reaching out:

• 10–20 organizations
• Or 50-100 people
• Use tools like Apollo, LinkedIn, or even your own network to source leads
• Bonus: I landed my first deal from a warm Facebook intro

3. Send cold emails that get replies

You’re not writing a novel. You’re starting a convo.

Here’s a super simple formula for your own project:

Subject Line: “Quick question about your student club”
​Hook: “Noticed your club just launched a mental health initiative — super cool.”
​Value: “I’m working on a student-led project that helps teens run peer support workshops in schools.”
​CTA: “Would you be open to a 10-min chat this week? I’d love to learn how you got started and maybe see if there’s a way to collaborate.”

Follow up 2–3 times. Add value each time. Never just say “following up.”

4. Cold calling is uncomfortable — which is exactly why it works

No one wants to cold call. Which is exactly why you should.

It’s fast, direct, and insanely effective.

Start with a trigger (something personal or recent):

Drop your value (what you’re working on + who it helps):

Ask for advice (low-pressure way to start a convo):

Pro tip: Use a script. Even seasoned founders do.

5. Qualify them during the conversation

It’s easy to get excited when someone replies or agrees to a chat — but not every convo is worth your time.

Use the first 5 minutes to figure out if:

• They actually have the problem you’re solving
• They’re in a position to collaborate, test, or share your project
• They’re excited enough to take the next step with you (pilot, repost, introduce you to someone, etc.)

Think of it like this: you’re not just trying to impress them — you’re testing if they’re a fit too.

Here are a few easy, low-pressure questions:

• “Have you tried anything like this before?”
• “What’s been your biggest challenge around [relevant problem]?”
• “Would something like this actually be useful at your school/community?”

If it’s a no — cool. Move on. Every convo is data.

Real talk:

AI can build your website.
It can write your sales copy.
It can even pretend to be your assistant.

But it can’t build trust.
It can’t read people.
And it sure can’t close deals over a burger at a random diner.

That’s your edge.
And if you’re scrappy, curious, and willing to hear “no” a bunch of times — you’re already ahead.

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Like what you read? Share with friends!

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Lena

​https://www.openclassroomexperience.com/​

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