Michelle Khare, the force behind "Challenge Accepted," didn't just stumble into collaborations with high-profile institutions like the FBI. She earned them with a deceptively simple yet potent weapon: a meticulously crafted cold email. As Khare herself puts it, "a really well-written email can open any door." She designed a three-paragraph formula that cuts through noise, establishes instant credibility, and drastically lowers the barrier to connection, even if you're starting small.
Key Takeaways
- Michelle Khare leveraged her cold email formula to secure collaborations with major institutions like the FBI, proving the power of a concise, value-driven message.
- Your email's subject line must instantly convey value to the recipient, whether that's your follower count, viewership, or past reputable collaborations, as Khare did even with small numbers.
- The first paragraph is a two-sentence power punch: one sentence for your legitimacy, one for your direct ask or offer, cutting straight to the point for busy people.
- Unconventionally, Khare advises including your personal phone number in the call to action, removing friction and signaling trust to encourage quick, informal responses.
- This entire strategy is laid out in Michelle Khare's 3-Paragraph Cold Email Formula, designed for ambitious builders aiming for high-profile connections.
The Michelle Khare's 3-Paragraph Cold Email Formula
- Subject Line: Needs to show your value to the reader. For me right now, it would look like something... Collaboration with Michelle Caren this many followers. In the beginning, that was a small number for me, but I still put it in the subject line. It could be a number of views. It could be collaborated with X, Y, and Z institutions. (Tim adds: “via mutual connection, [mutual connection name], Tim Ferrris, whatever the credibility indicator is.”)
- Paragraph 1 (2 sentences): One sentence about who you are and your legitimacy... Second sentence of that first paragraph, what are you asking for or offering to the other person? And ideally, you're doing both. (Example: “Hi, my name is Michelle K. I'm a content creator with this many followers and I've done this, this, and this. I'm reaching out to inquire about an opportunity to film a collaboration for my channels.”)
- Paragraph 2 (2 sentences or less): What you want to do. This would be the details of we're hoping to do a shoot following just a few days of the academy embedding in existing activities ultimately leading up to a final scenario as follows academy protocol. So that second paragraph is about a window into the vision you hope to come to together and a peak at some of the resources you might be asking for. And ideally, you do it in such a way that you show you've done your homework.
- Paragraph 3 (Call to Action - 2 sentences or less): Would love to hop on the phone. Let me know a good time. Here's my phone number. Text me anytime. This is an anti- Tim Ferrris tactic potentially. Not when I'm sending cold emails to to to people who are very busy that I want to connect with. And what that does is say, 'I'm available. I don't know you, but here's my phone number.' It exhibits, 'I'm trusting you.' And it says, 'You don't have to respond with a crazy detailed formal email back to me. Hit me up anytime. We can talk on the phone.' It removes the barrier to entry for them to have to come back to you.
When This Works (and When It Doesn't)
This formula shines when your target is a busy decision-maker who values clarity and efficiency. Khare highlights its power for conveying value, establishing legitimacy, and offering a low-friction path to connection. People often underestimate the doors a sharp email can unlock. She used it to reach institutions like the FBI, proving its wide reach.
However, be warned: this method only works if you approach it with "zero entitlement," as Tim Ferriss pointed out. "Your cold email is an audition for everything else to come." If your ask is vague or you haven't done your homework for Paragraph 2, even a direct phone number won't save you. Also, be thoughtful about sharing your personal cell; if you're not ready for direct, potentially unfiltered communication, or if the ask isn't truly high-stakes, a standard calendly link might be safer. The magic is in the trust and availability, but that trust cuts both ways.
What to Do With This
Next week, pick one dream partner, investor, or client you've been hesitant to cold email. Now, apply Khare's formula.
Let's say you're a SaaS founder targeting a well-known thought leader to beta test your AI-powered copywriting tool:
- Subject Line: "Pilot: AI Copywriting Tool for [Thought Leader's Niche] – 20% Faster Content, [Your Company Name]"
- Paragraph 1: "Hi [Thought Leader's Name], my name is [Your Name], founder of [Your Company Name], an AI tool that helps [target audience] like you generate high-converting copy 20% faster. I'm reaching out to offer you exclusive early access to our beta for [your tool] in exchange for your expert feedback."
- Paragraph 2: "Our vision is to build the fastest, most intuitive AI for [their specific content area]. We've optimized it for [specific feature/benefit they care about], aiming to save you hours each week. I've followed your work on [specific article/podcast] and believe your insights would be invaluable."
- Paragraph 3: "Would love to briefly show you the tool and get your thoughts. Please let me know if you have 15 minutes this week. My direct line is [Your Phone Number]. Text anytime."