The Original Message
Hi [name], my name is Martina Tararuj, scale-up mentor, operator & founder with 15+ years, mentored across 200+ startups.
I'm always keen to connect with people building things that matter. I'm based in Warsaw for the next few months and would love to get to know the local ecosystem better.
Martina.
I'm always keen to connect with people building things that matter. I'm based in Warsaw for the next few months and would love to get to know the local ecosystem better.
Martina.
Martina Tararuj · Sent to CEOs of €100M–€44B companies · Response rate: 3/3
Actual LinkedIn Message
Screenshot from LinkedIn — this is the real message, sent and delivered.
Why it works
Every sentence earns its place. Here's the breakdown.
1
"Hi [name],"
First name, not title. Not "Dear CEO", not "Hi there." A name creates immediate human contact. At this level, you speak to a person — not a function.
2
"my name is Martina Tararuj, scale-up mentor, operator & founder with 15+ years, mentored across 200+ startups."
Credentials in one sentence — no CV. Three words: mentor, operator, founder. Each carries different weight. Together they build a complete picture. The numbers (15+, 200+) are specific and verifiable. A CEO sees in 3 seconds who they're dealing with — and whether to keep reading.
3
"I'm always keen to connect with people building things that matter."
This is the heart of the message. You're not saying "I want to meet you because you're a CEO." You're saying: "I connect with people who build things that matter" — and implying they qualify. This is a subtle but massive shift in power dynamics. Instead of asking for access — you're extending an invitation.
4
"I'm based in Warsaw for the next few months and would love to get to know the local ecosystem better."
Context + small ask. "For the next few months" creates a natural time window — there's a reason for the message right now. "Get to know the ecosystem" is a minimal commitment — you're not asking for a favour or pitching anything. The CEO knows how to say yes to this. To "I have a collaboration proposal" — they don't.
5
"Martina."
First name only. No titles, no links, no "CEO at Imperfect CEO | Scale-up Mentor | Speaker | 3× Founder." One name at the end signals confidence. Someone who needs to list all their titles isn't sure their name is enough. You know yours is.
5 principles behind this message
The rules that make the difference between a reply and silence.
Short. The higher someone is, the less they read. This message has 4 sentences. Every sentence carries weight. Nothing is accidental.
You invite, you don't ask. "I connect with people building things that matter" — you are the selector. They qualify by your criteria, not the other way around.
Small ask. No meeting request, no call, no "30 minutes of your time." "Get to know the ecosystem" — low commitment, easy yes.
Context without explanation. "Based in Warsaw for the next few months" gives a reason for the message without writing "that's why I'm reaching out." Natural, not forced.
No agenda. Zero "I'd like to discuss X." No agenda is the agenda — it says: I'm here for connection, not transaction. At this level, that is rare. That is why it stands out.
Your Template — Adapt & Send
Hi [first name],
my name is [your name], [your role in 2–3 words] with [X years] years, [one concrete fact about your experience — a number works best]. I'm always keen to connect with people [describe the people you want to meet — write about THEM, not you].
I'm [your context — where you are / what you're doing now] and would love to [small, agenda-free ask — keep it low commitment].
[First name only].
my name is [your name], [your role in 2–3 words] with [X years] years, [one concrete fact about your experience — a number works best]. I'm always keen to connect with people [describe the people you want to meet — write about THEM, not you].
I'm [your context — where you are / what you're doing now] and would love to [small, agenda-free ask — keep it low commitment].
[First name only].
3 adapted examples
How the same framework looks in different contexts.
Founder scaling internationally
"Hi [name], my name is [name], founder & CEO with 10+ years building B2B SaaS across CEE markets. I'm always keen to connect with leaders who are scaling beyond their home market. I'm spending time in London this quarter and would love to hear how you've approached international expansion.
[First name]."
[First name]."
Strategic consultant / advisor
"Hi [name], my name is [name], strategy consultant working with growth-stage companies in [industry]. I'm always keen to connect with leaders who are rethinking how their industry operates. I've been following [company]'s direction closely and would love to exchange perspectives over a coffee.
[First name]."
[First name]."
Investor / operator networking
"Hi [name], my name is [name], operator and angel investor with a background in [industry]. I'm always drawn to people building category-defining companies. I'm in [city] for the next few weeks and would love to get a better sense of what's happening in the local ecosystem.
[First name]."
[First name]."
What not to do
Mistakes that kill a message in the first sentence.
×
"I have an interesting collaboration proposal for you" — agenda in the first sentence. Closed immediately.
×
"I greatly admire your career and achievements" — flattery without substance. CEOs see this every day.
×
Messages longer than 5 sentences — every additional sentence reduces the chance of a reply.
×
"I'd like to schedule a 30-minute call" — too big a commitment for a cold message. Start small.
×
A signature with 5 titles and links — signals insecurity. One first name is enough if the message is strong.
×
Copy-paste without personalisation — it shows immediately. Change at least one sentence per person.
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