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Creative Ways to Use Cold Emails to Grow Your Client Base

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EMAILS TO GROW YOUR CLIENT BASE

Cold emails often get a bad rap, but with the right approach, they can be a powerful tool to attract new clients and expand your network. The perception that cold emails are intrusive or spammy stems from misuse—poor targeting, lack of personalization, and irrelevant messaging.

However, when done correctly, cold emails can spark meaningful connections and drive business growth. In this article, we are going to share some creative ways to use cold emails to expand your client base and make a good impression on your potential customers.

What is a Cold Email?

Before diving into strategies, it’s important to understand what is a cold email. A cold email is an unsolicited message to someone with whom you have no prior acquaintance, usually with an aim to introduce your business and services. While warm emails are sent to those leads who already came into contact with your brand, a cold email caters to an entirely new prospect. Though it seems like a tough job, great returns can be achieved from cold emails if dealt with creatively and carefully.

1. Personalization is Key

One of the most critical aspects of effective cold email outreach is personalization. Those days of sending general bulk emails addressed to “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “To whom it may concern” are over. People always respond better to emails they feel are personal and relevant to their specific situations. It then calls for the time to research your target audience in order to craft very personalized messages that ring true with needs, challenges, or even goals.

For instance, instead of sending a mass email with something generic along the lines of offering your services, you could write to the recipient referring to something specific about their company or industry. You are taking an interest in solving their problems, not merely trying to make a sale. Even small touches, like referencing a recent industry trend or congratulating them on a recent achievement of the company, go a long way toward building rapport.

2. Leverage Storytelling

Cold emails often fall flat when they’re too “salesy” or robotic. To capture the reader’s attention, tell a story. Storytelling is an excellent humanizing technique for your outreach and will make your message more compelling. Remember a few words on a brief experience of how your product or service saved another client from a similar challenge or helped him/her achieve something. You show concrete success, which automatically helps you paint a picture in the mind of the recipient about how you could provide value to their business.

So, for example, if your service is digital marketing, you start by telling a story of how a client’s website traffic increased 200% over three months using a strategy that you implemented. A good story engages you; it gives credibility and also an explanation of your offering without being too pushy.

3. Offer Value Upfront

Cold emails are more likely to be successful when they offer something of value to the recipient. Instead of making your email solely about what you want (e.g., scheduling a call or meeting), flip the script and focus on what the prospect will gain from engaging with you. That can include actionable insights, free resources, or even a personalized audit of their current processes.

For example, you could offer a no-obligation website performance audit when e-mailing your cold prospect in the e-commerce business. By providing useful information without demanding anything from them, you are building goodwill and a reputation for being a useful source with good knowledge. It is now highly likely that the prospect will interact further with you when he trusts you.

4. Experiment in Humour

The power of humor is realized in a crowded inbox.  While not appropriate for every industry, a lighthearted tone or witty remark can disarm the recipient and make your cold email feel less intrusive. As you use humor, ensure it’s professional and relevant to your message for outreach.

For example, you might begin your email with a playful subject line—like “I promise this isn’t another boring sales pitch”—and then use a light, conversational message to tackle a pain point in a humorous or relatable way. The key is to balance humor with value: your email should clearly communicate the value of your offer.

5. Follow up Thoughtfully

Timing is everything in the follow-up email, as it may mean the difference between adding a new client or even losing oneself in the crowd. Professions receive thousands of emails daily, so your first cold email could simply have been overlooked. Persistence is key, though: do not be a pest or repetitive in following up; send a new follow-up email with further detail or an interestingly new take.

For example, if your first email was an introduction to your service, the follow-up might include some related case study or testimonial that shows your success. You could also send a helpful article or a tip related to their industry. Thus, you can continue meaningfully, which in turn helps you to display to the audience that you are interested in solving their problems instead of closing a deal.

6. Use Cold Email Marketing Software to Scale Efforts

Cold emailing to grow a list will put scalability to the test. A cold email campaign will be a serious time-eater when done manually, and personalizing every message will not even be easy when you are just starting out. But again, hope is at hand with cold email marketing software, which can automate parts of your campaign while maintaining high personalization levels.

Cold email software usually contains templates, scheduling, analytics, and follow-up automation. It makes it possible to monitor the campaign performance to adjust your strategy and make optimizations according to open rates, response rates, and other metrics. The right tool will help you double your outreach volume without losing quality.

7. Enlist a Cold Email Service

If managing cold email campaigns in-house feels overwhelming, consider using a cold email service. These services specialize in crafting, sending, and optimizing cold email campaigns on your behalf. By partnering with experts, you can benefit from their experience and insights, ensuring your outreach is as effective as possible.

A cold email service can help with everything from copywriting and audience segmentation to analytics and A/B testing. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your business while knowing that your cold email campaigns are in good hands.

Conclusion

Your cold email campaign doesn’t have to be frightening or useless. With a thoughtful, person-to-person approach and the right tools—like cold email marketing software and cold email outreach software—you can turn cold leads into warm connections and drastically expand your client base. With a value-to-story-keeping strategy perfected through A/B testing and segmentation, your cold emails will stand out in an overflowing inbox and open doors for more and better opportunities.

FAQs

What is a cold email, and how is it different from spam?

A cold email is an unsolicited email sent to some recipient with whom you have no previous acquaintance or relationship and is generally used to present your business or your services to that recipient. In this regard, cold emails are not spam because they are tailored, relevant, and targeted at the receiving party, making them perhaps more effective and less invasive.

How could cold email marketing software assist with outreach?

Cold email marketing software can help automatically send emails, track open rates, and schedule follow-ups for you to be able to scale efforts without losing your personal touch. Analytics is also offered with the tool, so you are better at optimizing campaigns, which are based on performance data.

How many times should I follow up on a cold email if I’m not getting a response?

Send two or three thoughtful follow-up emails, spaced by a few days, with the rule of thumb being “Don’t be too pushy.” Each follow-up should add value-for instance, delivering a case study or resource.

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BUSINESS

How Early-Stage Startups Can Qualify for AWS Activate

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How Early-Stage Startups Can Qualify for AWS Activate

You are racing to build product, find users, and raise your next round. The last thing you want is a surprise five-figure cloud bill.

That is where AWS Activate comes in. It is a startup program that gives young companies free AWS credits, technical guidance, and learning resources so you can build and test without draining your runway.

Depending on your stage and partners, some offers reach up to $100,000 in AWS credits. These credits work like a prepaid balance for most AWS services while they are active, so your usage burns credits first, then your card.

This guide walks through who usually qualifies, how to apply, and what happens once you are approved, so you can use Activate to lower cloud costs and ship faster.

If you want a broader view of options later, you can also check Spendbase’s guide on how to obtain AWS Activate credits.

What is AWS Activate and why early-stage startups should care

AWS Activate is Amazon’s program built for startups. Think of it as a starter pack for your cloud stack. Instead of paying full price from day one, you get credits, access to support, and training materials to help your team ship safely.

The headline perk is cloud credits. Depending on the path you use, you might receive a small starter bundle or, through selected accelerators and partners, packages that reach around $100,000 in promotional credits. Many of these bundles last 12 to 24 months, which covers a big part of your early build phase.

For founders, the value shows up in simple ways:

  • You can run and scale your app without buying hardware.
  • You store user and product data in durable, encrypted storage.
  • You serve users across regions with low latency through AWS’s network.
  • You use managed databases like RDS or DynamoDB instead of running your own.
  • You experiment with basic machine learning services when you are ready.

Every dollar of credit that covers compute, storage, or content delivery is a dollar you can spend on hiring, growth, or runway instead of infrastructure.

What types of AWS credits and discounts are available

Most early-stage founders will see a mix of credits and discounts, sometimes stacked together.

  • General AWS credits: Core Activate and partner offers can reach around $100,000 for eligible startups, especially those in approved accelerators or venture programs.
  • Proof-of-concept credits: There are targeted bundles, often up to about $25,000, for testing a new workload or building a pilot project.
  • Well-Architected Framework Review credits: If you complete a review of a key workload with an AWS partner, you can get extra credits. These often have a shorter life, such as around 6 months, so they must be used quickly.

On top of credits, you can cut the base bill with discounts, such as large savings on CloudFront traffic or up to roughly 70 percent off compute and storage when you use long-term pricing options. Programs like the AWS discount up to $100K from Spendbase combine these ideas so your actual out-of-pocket spend drops even further.

How early-stage startups can qualify for AWS Activate

The good news: many young startups fit the Activate profile. The key is understanding how AWS thinks about stage, age, and traction, then matching your story to that.

Check if your startup meets the basic eligibility rules

AWS wants Activate to serve small and growing companies, not mature enterprises. In practice, that usually means:

  • Your startup is younger than about 10 years.
  • You are pre-Series B, or at a similar early growth stage.
  • You have a live website on a corporate domain, or at least a strong public profile.
  • You are using AWS today, or have a real plan to use it for a significant workload.

There can also be caps on total funding or annual revenue so that the largest companies do not take all the credit pools. The exact numbers depend on the offer.

Your product does not need to be fully launched. A working beta, private preview, or internal pilot is fine, as long as you can explain the use case, such as a SaaS app, mobile app, analytics pipeline, or data platform.

For some discounts, AWS also looks at usage. Volume-based pricing only kicks in after you reach certain levels, so it helps to have a rough cloud plan: which services you will use, and how heavy the workload might be over the next year.

Use startup programs, accelerators, and partners to access higher credits

The largest credit bundles rarely come from a simple one-off form. They usually flow through accelerators, incubators, VC programs, or trusted partners.

If you are in a well-known accelerator or backed by an active fund, ask your program lead if they have AWS Activate benefits. Many provide special links or codes that unlock higher tiers.

You can also work with cloud discount platforms that focus on startup savings. For example, Spendbase helps founders access free AWS credits for startups through its Spendbase AWS credit offer and can combine those with structured discounts on services like CloudFront and EC2. Partner routes like this often improve your chances of receiving the upper range of credits.

Prepare your application: what AWS wants to see

Treat your Activate application a bit like a short investor memo. Clear, direct answers help.

Have these pieces ready:

  1. Product description: What you are building, who it serves, and the problem you solve.
  2. How you will use AWS: A short outline such as “EC2 for app servers, S3 for file storage, CloudFront for global content delivery, RDS for the main database.”
  3. Company basics: Legal name, founding date, funding raised so far, revenue range, and team size.
  4. Public proof: Links to your website, landing page, demo environment, or profiles on sites like Product Hunt or LinkedIn.

For proof-of-concept or Well-Architected credits, be ready to describe the workload in more depth. That includes expected traffic, data volume, and the business impact if it works.

Be honest about projected spend and growth. AWS can see real usage later, and accurate data helps you tap into follow-up reviews or extra credits down the road.

What to expect after you qualify for AWS Activate

Once your application is approved, the real work starts. You now have a pile of prepaid cloud spend and a clock that is ticking.

How AWS credits work, where they apply, and how long they last

Think of AWS credits as a wallet inside your AWS account. When a supported service generates charges, AWS pulls from that wallet first. When the credits run out or expire, charges fall back to your normal payment method.

Most startup bundles are valid for 12 to 24 months, depending on which Activate tier or partner program you used. Credits tied to a Well-Architected Framework Review often expire faster, for example in about 6 months, so they fit short improvement projects.

You can see your active credits in the Billing console. The dashboard shows remaining balance and expiry dates.

It pays to track those dates. Plan heavy tests, marketing spikes, or major feature launches while your credits are still alive, instead of leaving a chunk of balance unused.

How to make the most of AWS Activate credits as a lean startup

Credits are not a reason to be careless. Used well, they stretch your runway and give you space to experiment.

A few simple habits go a long way:

  • Right-size from day one: Start with modest instance sizes and scale only when you see real pressure.
  • Clean up test resources: Shut down unused dev environments, old load tests, and forgotten databases.
  • Use cheaper storage tiers where performance needs are low, and keep backups but avoid hoarding junk data.
  • Adopt managed services carefully: Managed databases or queues save time, but pick the smallest tier that does the job.

Consider scheduling a Well-Architected review for your main workload. It can reveal security or cost issues and may open the door to extra WAFR credits.

If you are serious about pushing your credits further, look at AWS cost management services that combine Activate with extra discounts, group buying, and expert reviews. Together, these can mean tens of thousands of dollars saved compared to going alone.

Used with discipline, credits become a financial buffer that lets your team test more ideas before you hit your burn limit.

Conclusion

AWS Activate gives early-stage startups something rare: time to build without drowning in cloud bills. You get credits, support, and training, as long as you fit the profile of a young, fast-growing company and have a real workload in mind.

The path is clear. Learn what Activate offers, check that your age, funding, and product stage match the rules, then apply through accelerators or trusted partners whenever you can. Prepare a simple story of what you are building and how AWS fits.

After approval, your credits appear as a balance that pays for core services like compute, storage, and content delivery until the money or the expiry window runs out.

Treat those credits as a strategic tool, not free cash. Combine Activate with strong cost habits and smart discount programs so every dollar of credit turns into product progress, user growth, and a longer runway for your startup.

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BUSINESS

MyBrickHouse: A New Way to Experience LEGO in India

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MyBrickHouse

There is something timeless about building with bricks. It is slow, intentional, and deeply satisfying in a world that rarely pauses. MyBrickHouse was founded on this belief that creativity deserves space, and every builder deserves access to original LEGO sets that spark imagination without limits.

MyBrickHouse is not built like a typical toy store. It is a dedicated environment where LEGO is treated not as a casual purchase but as a thoughtful craft, a learning tool, and a hobby that grows with you at every stage of life.

How MyBrickHouse Began

The idea took shape when LEGO enthusiasts in India found themselves facing two recurring problems:
authentic sets were hard to find, and unreliable marketplaces made the experience inconsistent.
MyBrickHouse was created to solve both.

The goal was simple but meaningful: build a space where fans could shop without doubt, explore without confusion, and trust what they receive. Today, that intention remains at the core of everything.

Inside the MyBrickHouse Experience

Walking through MyBrickHouse’s digital aisles feels intentionally curated. Instead of overwhelming customers with endless listings, the platform organizes sets based on how real builders think by theme, age, difficulty, and purpose.

Every product page is crafted to inform, not just sell. High-quality visuals, verified specifications, and genuine descriptions give builders the clarity they need before choosing their next project.

Themes That Inspire Every Builder

  • Adventures in Everyday Worlds

The LEGO City collection covers familiar scenes of transport, rescue, construction, and community moments. These sets encourage children to expand simple ideas into full stories.

  • Stories Shaped by Fantasy and Fiction

Fans of iconic universes discover an entire category dedicated to Star Wars, Marvel, and other cinematic themes. These sets are perfect for storytelling, action recreations, and display shelves.

  • Engineering Through LEGO

Technic and Creator Expert introduce functional mechanics, gear systems, and advanced construction styles. They appeal to teens, hobbyists, and adults who enjoy engineering challenges.

  • LEGO for Early Development

DUPLO collections support toddlers with safe, oversized bricks. Their designs focus on motor skills and imaginative growth at the earliest stages.

  • Artistic and Display Builds

Fans who appreciate structure and design are drawn toward Architecture, Icons, and botanical sets. These builds balance creativity with realism for meaningful display pieces.

What MyBrickHouse Stands For

  • Trust in Every Purchase

Every LEGO box is sourced from authorized and verified channels. Authenticity is not optional, it is the guarantee MyBrickHouse was built on.

  • A Safe and Reliable Shopping Space

Clear navigation, secure checkout, and detailed guidance make the customer experience straightforward for both first-time shoppers and long-time collectors.

  • A Platform Built for All of India

Deliveries reach metros, small towns, hill regions, and emerging cities with equal care. Each package is inspected, packed securely, and shipped with precision.

  • Support That Understands Builders

The team behind MyBrickHouse consists of LEGO fans themselves. They know the difference one missing brick can make and offer responsive assistance to ensure builds remain uninterrupted.

More Than a Store

MyBrickHouse aims to cultivate a building culture in India.
It highlights new arrivals, offers insights into different LEGO series, and celebrates the growing community of children, teens, adults, and collectors who use LEGO to learn, play, grow, and create.

This is a place where families rediscover bonding, where students explore STEM ideas, and where adults return to creative freedom after long days. MyBrickHouse sees LEGO not as a pastime but as a tool for personal expression.

Why Builders Trust Us

Because every part of the experience from verified products to careful shipping honors the builder’s journey.
Because every set represents possibilities, not just pieces.
Because LEGO deserves a platform that respects the craftsmanship it stands for.
And because India’s growing community of creators needs a space built specifically for them.

Your Next LEGO Build Starts Here

Whether you are beginning with a small starter kit or searching for a centerpiece model that defines your collection, MyBrickHouse offers a dependable, transparent, and inspiring place to begin.

Explore new themes, revisit classics, challenge yourself with advanced builds, or gift a young learner their first experience with creativity.

At lego.MyBrickHouse.com , every brick contributes to a broader story.

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REAL ESTATE

Effective Strategies for Residential Property Management Success

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Residential Property Management

Key Takeaways

  • Consistent tenant screening ensures reliable occupants.
  • Regular property maintenance preserves value and tenant satisfaction.
  • Leveraging technology streamlines operations and communication.
  • Clear financial management practices protect margins and ensure compliance.

Achieving success in residential property management requires a comprehensive approach that blends strategy, communication, and ongoing care. Property managers who excel focus on both operational efficiency and creating an outstanding tenant experience. Implementing proven strategies can help raise tenant satisfaction, minimize vacancies, and maximize property returns for owners and investors.

From thorough tenant screening to adopting modern technology, there are numerous ways to enhance the business of managing residential rentals. By proactively maintaining properties and establishing clear processes for both staff and tenants, residential property management teams lay the foundation for long-term success in a competitive marketplace.

Incorporating sustainability initiatives and prioritizing community engagement further amplifies property value and tenant loyalty. With proper planning and continuous learning, property managers can stay ahead of industry trends and deliver meaningful results.

Comprehensive Tenant Screening

Careful tenant selection is the cornerstone of any successful property management strategy. Screening should extend beyond simple references—thorough background checks, credit history evaluations, and rental history evaluations all play crucial roles. Utilizing online screening tools and third-party verification services can reduce potential risks and minimize bias. The ultimate goal is to ensure that tenants are financially responsible, reliable, and have a history of respectful residency. Effective screening can also minimize turnover and late payments, safeguarding property revenue streams. Additionally, proactive property maintenance ensures that units remain in excellent condition, supporting tenant satisfaction and long-term occupancy. Combining thorough tenant screening with regular property upkeep creates a stable, profitable rental environment for both owners and tenants.

Proactive Property Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is crucial for maintaining property value and ensuring tenant satisfaction. A proactive approach means regular inspections, seasonal tune-ups, and prompt attention to repairs before they escalate. Integrating technology-driven maintenance tracking systems can simplify scheduling and help managers stay ahead of issues like HVAC problems, plumbing leaks, or structural wear and tear. Tenants are more likely to renew their leases when maintenance requests are handled promptly, and routine checks ensure common areas are kept in top condition. Property value is preserved, and repair costs are often lower when issues are caught early.

Leveraging Technology

Modern property management software is revolutionizing the industry by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining daily operations. Online payment portals facilitate faster rent collection, digital communication channels keep tenants informed and engaged, and cloud-based work order systems ensure maintenance tasks are resolved efficiently. Virtual tours and online leasing applications can also expand your reach to qualified tenants who are tech-oriented and value convenience. Leveraging technology enables property managers to respond more quickly, reduce paperwork, and minimize errors across all aspects of their operations. 

Clear Financial Management

Accurate and transparent financial practices form the backbone of effective property management. Detailed recordkeeping, monthly bank reconciliations, and robust audit trails help protect owners’ margins and ensure regulatory compliance. Transparent financial reporting enables property owners to monitor performance and adjust their strategies as needed. Utilizing specialized property management accounting platforms can ease tax preparation, track expenses, and provide actionable insights into profitability. Managers who communicate clearly about deposits, rent increases, and common-area charges also build trust and prevent disputes.

Effective Communication Channels

Open, responsive communication is essential for healthy tenant relationships. Establishing a resident portal enables tenants to easily submit maintenance requests and access important information, while automated notifications keep them updated on upcoming repairs, inspections, and community events. These tools foster trust and satisfaction, giving tenants confidence that their concerns will be swiftly addressed. Clear communication policies also help staff stay organized and minimize misunderstandings in day-to-day operations.

Implementing Sustainable Practices

Eco-friendly property management attracts environmentally conscious tenants and reduces long-term operational costs. Simple upgrades—such as installing energy-efficient appliances, switching to LED lighting, and introducing comprehensive recycling programs—can make a big difference. Encouraging responsible energy and water use through tenant education and incentives also supports sustainability goals. By reducing their environmental footprint, property managers increase a property’s market appeal and future-proof their investments. 

Building Community Engagement

Fostering a sense of community within your properties can significantly enhance tenant retention and create a positive living environment. Hosting resident events—such as holiday gatherings, volunteer opportunities, or informational seminars—breaks down barriers and builds rapport among neighbors. Developing shared amenities, such as fitness centers, lounges, or outdoor spaces, encourages residents to connect, feel a sense of belonging, and invest emotionally in their home. Community engagement often leads to fewer vacancies and more lease renewals.

Continuous Staff Training

Ongoing professional development is crucial for property management staff to stay current with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. Continuous training ensures that the team stays up-to-date on legal changes, customer service techniques, and new technologies. Workshops, certifications, and industry conferences can all contribute to a staff’s effectiveness, ultimately leading to higher tenant satisfaction and improved property performance. Well-trained employees are also more motivated and adept at solving problems quickly and professionally.

Adopting these strategies ensures operational excellence in residential property management, elevates the tenant experience, and safeguards property investments for the long term.

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