How to structure this post
- 1Open with a problem statement that your audience recognizes. "Many people struggle with X because they try to Y." This frames the guide and tells readers why they should care.
- 2State what your guide will help them do. Be specific about the outcome.
- 3Break the process into 4-7 clear, numbered steps. Each step should have a bolded action verb at the start, followed by 1-3 sentences of explanation.
- 4Include at least one concrete example within the steps. Don't say "write a good subject line", show what a good subject line looks like.
- 5Add a "common mistake" or "pro tip" after the steps to demonstrate depth of experience.
- 6Close with encouragement and a question asking readers what they'd add or which step gives them the hardest time.
When to use this format
- •When you have a repeatable process that gets results and your audience would benefit from a step-by-step breakdown.
- •When you keep getting asked the same question and want to create a referenceable answer you can point people to.
- •When you want to demonstrate deep expertise in a practical, non-theoretical way that builds trust with potential clients.
Example posts
How to write a cold email that actually gets a response (my process after sending 2,000+ of them): Many cold emails fail because they're about the sender, not the recipient. Here's the 5-step framework I use: Step 1: Research for 5 minutes. Find one specific thing about the person, a recent post, a company announcement, a podcast appearance. This becomes your opening line. Step 2: Open with that specific detail. "I saw your post about switching from Salesforce to HubSpot, I went through the same transition last year" works. "I hope this email finds you well" doesn't. Step 3: State your value in one sentence. Not what you do, what you can do for them. "I help B2B companies cut their sales cycle by 20-30% by fixing their demo process" is clear. "I'm a sales consultant" is not. Step 4: Include one piece of proof. A relevant case study, a specific result, or a mutual connection. Only one, don't write a resume. Step 5: Make the ask tiny. "Would you be open to a 15-minute call next week?" works. "I'd love to schedule a comprehensive discovery session to explore synergies" doesn't. Pro tip: send the email Tuesday through Thursday between 8-10 AM in their time zone. Monday mornings and Friday afternoons are dead zones. The single biggest mistake I see: making the email about yourself instead of about the problem you can solve for them. What's your best cold email tip? Drop it below.
How to prepare for a salary negotiation in 30 minutes: Many people wing salary negotiations and leave money on the table. Here's how to walk in prepared: Step 1: Check three salary sources. Look up the role on Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and LinkedIn Salary. Write down the range. You want the 60th-75th percentile as your target, not the median. Step 2: List three accomplishments from the last 12 months. Choose ones with measurable results. "Increased team output by 30%" beats "helped the team do better." Write these as one sentence each. Step 3: Write down your exact number. Not a range, one specific number that's 10-15% above your current pay or the market midpoint. Having a specific number makes you appear more prepared. Step 4: Prepare for "we can't do that." Script two responses: (a) "What could you do?" and (b) "If salary is fixed right now, can we discuss a signing bonus or an accelerated review in 6 months?" Step 5: Practice saying your number out loud three times. This sounds silly but it works. Many people stumble over their ask because they've never actually said it. Step 6: Go in calm. You're not demanding. You're presenting information and having a conversation. Common mistake: apologizing before you ask. "I know this might be a lot, but..." undermines everything that follows. State your ask plainly and then stop talking. What's the negotiation tip that worked best for you?
Topic ideas for this format
- •A professional skill you've systematized that many people do ad hoc
- •The exact process you follow for a task your audience struggles with
- •How to evaluate or make a specific decision in your field
- •A workflow you've optimized that saves significant time or produces better results
Tips for this format
- •Start each step with a strong action verb: "Research," "Write," "Send," "Review." This makes the guide feel directive and practical rather than wishy-washy.
- •Include real examples inside your steps, not instructions. Showing a good cold email subject line is ten times more useful than saying "write a compelling subject line."
- •Keep the total number of steps between 4 and 7. Fewer than 4 feels like you're oversimplifying. More than 7 feels overwhelming for a LinkedIn post, save longer guides for a blog or newsletter.
Frequently asked questions
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