Outreach Manager

This skill helps you craft compelling influencer outreach, manage negotiations, and track relationship progress. Good outreach is personal, professional, and persistent without being pushy.

Quick Start

Shortest invocation:

Write an outreach message to @[influencer] for [campaign]

Common scenario — negotiate a gap between ask and budget:

Help me negotiate with @[influencer] who is asking for $[X] when our budget is $[Y]

Skill Contract

• Reads: target influencer handle(s), platform, follower count, niche; campaign and product context; compensation type and budget; deliverables and timeline; any prior contact history supplied by the user or loaded from memory.
• Writes: outreach artifact (pitches, follow-up sequence, negotiation guide, pipeline tracker) to memory/influencer/outreach-manager/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>.md.
• Promotes: durable facts (confirmed partners, agreed rates, top objection patterns, response-rate baselines) to memory/hot-cache.md.
• Done when:
  • A personalized pitch (plus at least one variation) exists for each target influencer.
  • A follow-up cadence and pipeline status are recorded for every contacted creator.
  • Confirmed partners are flagged with agreed terms for handoff.
• Primary next skill: content-reviewer

Handoff Summary

Emit the standard shape from skill-contract.md §Handoff Summary Format.

Data Sources

This family needs no live integrations (Tier 1). The skill works entirely from inputs you provide — paste the influencer handles, follower counts, niche, budget, and deliverables, and it produces every artifact without any tool connection.

Where a connector could speed up the work, use these ~~ placeholders:

• ~~influencer database — pull handle, follower count, niche, and past partnerships instead of typing them.
• ~~social platform analytics — verify audience demographics and recent posts for personalization.
• ~~CRM — sync pipeline status, last-contact dates, and next actions.
• ~~email/DM tool — schedule and send the follow-up cadence.

See CONNECTORS.md for the free/keyless recipe per category. No integration is required; when one is absent, ask the user for the inputs directly.

Instructions

When a user requests outreach help:

1. Gather Outreach Context

   ### Outreach Parameters
   
   **Campaign Context**:
   - Brand: [name]
   - Campaign: [description]
   - Product: [product]
   - Value proposition for influencer: [why they should care]
   
   **Target Influencer(s)**:
   - Handle(s): @[handle]
   - Platform: [platform]
   - Followers: [count]
   - Niche: [category]
   
   **Outreach Details**:
   - Compensation type: [paid/gifted/affiliate]
   - Budget per influencer: $[X] or [product value]
   - Deliverables: [what you're asking for]
   - Timeline: [urgency level]
   

2. Create Personalized Outreach

   ## Outreach Message for @[handle]
   
   ### Personalization Research
   
   Before crafting the message, note these personalization points:
   
   | Element | Details | Use In Message |
   |---------|---------|----------------|
   | Recent content | [specific post] | Reference as ice-breaker |
   | Content style | [description] | Explain why they're perfect fit |
   | Audience | [demographics] | Connect to campaign |
   | Values | [what they care about] | Align with brand values |
   | Past partnerships | [brands] | Mention similar work |
   
   ### Primary Outreach Message
   
   **Subject Line Options**:
   1. "[Name], love your [specific content] – collab idea"
   2. "Partnership opportunity with [Brand] 🤝"
   3. "[Brand] x @[handle] – let's create something amazing"
   
   ---
   
   **Message:**
   
   Hi [Name],
   
   [PERSONALIZED OPENER - Reference specific content]
   I've been following your content for a while and absolutely loved your [specific post/video]. The way you [specific thing they did] really resonated with me.
   
   [THE CONNECTION - Why they're a fit]
   I'm reaching out from [Brand] because your [content style/values/audience] aligns perfectly with what we're building. We [brief brand description].
   
   [THE OPPORTUNITY - What you're offering]
   We're launching [campaign/product] and would love to partner with you on [specific deliverable]. We're looking for [what you need] and think your authentic style would be perfect.
   
   [THE VALUE - What's in it for them]
   For this collaboration, we're offering:
   - [Compensation/Product]
   - [Additional value: exclusive access, long-term potential, etc.]
   - [Creative freedom note if relevant]
   
   [THE ASK - Clear next step]
   Would you be interested in learning more? I'd love to share our full campaign brief and answer any questions.
   
   Looking forward to hearing from you!
   
   Best,
   [Your Name]
   [Title]
   [Brand]
   [Contact info]
   
   ---
   
   ### Message Variations
   
   **Shorter Version (DM-friendly):**
   
   Hey [Name]! 👋
   
   Loved your recent [content] – [specific compliment]. I'm [Name] from [Brand] and we'd love to work with you on [campaign].
   
   We're offering [compensation] for [deliverable]. Interested in hearing more?
   
   ---
   
   **More Formal Version (Email/Management):**
   
   Dear [Name/Management],
   
   I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Name], and I represent [Brand], a [brief description].
   
   We have been impressed by [Influencer Name]'s content, particularly [specific examples], and believe there is a strong alignment between their creative style and our brand values.
   
   We are currently planning [campaign] and would like to explore a potential partnership. Our proposal includes [compensation and deliverables].
   
   Please let me know if [Influencer Name] would be interested in discussing this opportunity further.
   
   Best regards,
   [Full signature]
   

3. Create Follow-Up Sequence

   ## Follow-Up Sequence
   
   ### Timing Strategy
   
   | Touch | Timing | Channel | Purpose |
   |-------|--------|---------|---------|
   | Initial | Day 0 | [Email/DM] | First outreach |
   | Follow-up 1 | Day 3-4 | Same channel | Gentle reminder |
   | Follow-up 2 | Day 7-8 | Different channel | Try alternate contact |
   | Follow-up 3 | Day 14 | Original channel | Final attempt |
   | Archive | Day 21 | - | Move to "not now" list |
   
   ### Follow-Up Messages
   
   **Follow-Up #1 (Day 3-4):**
   
   Subject: Quick follow-up – [Brand] x @[handle]
   
   Hi [Name],
   
   Just wanted to bump this to the top of your inbox in case you missed it! 
   
   We'd love to work with you on [campaign] and think you'd be a perfect fit. Happy to answer any questions or hop on a quick call to discuss.
   
   Let me know if you're interested!
   
   Best,
   [Name]
   
   ---
   
   **Follow-Up #2 (Day 7-8):**
   
   Subject: Still interested in partnering?
   
   Hi [Name],
   
   I know your inbox is probably overflowing, so I'll keep this brief!
   
   [Brand] would love to collaborate with you on [specific opportunity]. We're impressed by your content and think our [product] would resonate with your audience.
   
   If the timing isn't right, no worries at all – just let me know and I won't bother you again. But if you're interested, I'd love to chat!
   
   [Name]
   
   ---
   
   **Follow-Up #3 (Day 14 - Final):**
   
   Subject: Last call – [Brand] partnership
   
   Hi [Name],
   
   I'll make this my last message – I don't want to spam you!
   
   If partnering with [Brand] isn't right for you right now, I completely understand. If things change in the future or you'd like to connect down the road, my door is always open.
   
   Wishing you all the best with your content!
   
   [Name]
   
   ---
   
   ### Follow-Up Best Practices
   
   **Do:**
   - Add new value in each follow-up
   - Acknowledge their busy schedule
   - Make it easy to say no
   - Try different channels
   - Keep messages shorter each time
   
   **Don't:**
   - Follow up more than 3-4 times
   - Sound desperate or pushy
   - Send identical messages
   - Follow up daily
   - Guilt trip for not responding
   

4. Provide Negotiation Support

   ## Negotiation Guide
   
   ### Current Situation
   
   | Factor | Details |
   |--------|---------|
   | Influencer | @[handle] |
   | Their ask | $[X] |
   | Our budget | $[Y] |
   | Gap | $[Z] |
   | Deliverables | [what they'd provide] |
   
   ### Negotiation Strategies
   
   **Strategy 1: Value Exchange**
   
   Instead of increasing cash, offer additional value:
   
   | Offer | Value | Script |
   |-------|-------|--------|
   | Extended usage rights | [$X value] | "We'd love to feature your content on our channels too – would whitelisting rights for [duration] help bridge the gap?" |
   | Additional product | [$X value] | "We can include [additional products] worth $[X] for you and your audience" |
   | Affiliate commission | [%] | "What if we added [X%] commission on sales through your code?" |
   | Long-term commitment | [future value] | "If this goes well, we'd love to make you an ambassador with guaranteed [X] partnerships per year" |
   
   ---
   
   **Strategy 2: Scope Adjustment**
   
   Modify deliverables to fit budget:
   
   | Original Ask | Modified Scope | Budget Fit |
   |--------------|----------------|------------|
   | 1 Reel + 3 Stories | 1 Reel only | Reduces cost [%] |
   | Dedicated video | Integration mention | Reduces cost [%] |
   | Exclusive content | Non-exclusive | Reduces cost [%] |
   
   **Script**: "We really want to work with you but $[X] is above our budget for this campaign. Would you be open to [modified scope] for $[Y]?"
   
   ---
   
   **Strategy 3: Future Value**
   
   Emphasize long-term relationship potential:
   
   **Script**: "While we can't meet $[X] for this campaign, we're building a roster of long-term partners. Starting at $[Y] would let us prove the ROI internally and open doors to bigger budgets and more frequent partnerships. Would that work?"
   
   ---
   
   ### Negotiation Scripts
   
   **Their ask is too high:**
   
   "Thank you for getting back to me with your rates. We love your content and really want to make this work. Our budget for this campaign is $[Y]. Is there flexibility on your end, or could we adjust the scope to make it fit? We're also happy to discuss additional value like [whitelisting/affiliate/long-term]."
   
   **They want more deliverables:**
   
   "We'd be happy to discuss adding [deliverable]. For the additional content, we could offer an extra $[X], bringing the total to $[Y]. Does that work for you?"
   
   **They're hesitant about the brand:**
   
   "I completely understand wanting to make sure it's the right fit. Here's what some other creators have said about working with us: [testimonials]. We prioritize creator relationships and creative freedom. Would it help to have a quick call to discuss the campaign?"
   
   **They want exclusivity:**
   
   "Exclusivity is definitely something we can discuss. For [duration] exclusivity in [category], we could increase the compensation to $[X]. Would that work?"
   
   ---
   
   ### Common Objections & Responses
   
   | Objection | Response |
   |-----------|----------|
   | "Your rate is too low" | [Value exchange or scope adjustment] |
   | "I don't do sponsored content" | "We're actually looking for authentic integrations, not ads. Full creative control..." |
   | "I've never heard of your brand" | "We're [brief credibility]. Here's some of our past work with [influencers]..." |
   | "Bad timing right now" | "Totally understand. Can I check back in [timeframe]? When would be better?" |
   | "I need to check with my manager" | "Of course! Happy to send over a formal proposal. What email should I use?" |
   | "I only work with my agency" | "Great! What's the best contact there? I'll reach out directly." |
   

5. Track Outreach Pipeline

   ## Outreach Pipeline Tracker
   
   ### Pipeline Overview
   
   | Stage | Count | Conversion Rate |
   |-------|-------|-----------------|
   | Identified | [#] | - |
   | Contacted | [#] | [%] from identified |
   | Responded | [#] | [%] from contacted |
   | Negotiating | [#] | [%] from responded |
   | Confirmed | [#] | [%] from negotiating |
   | Declined/No Response | [#] | - |
   
   ### Detailed Pipeline
   
   | Influencer | Platform | Status | Last Contact | Next Action | Due | Notes |
   |------------|----------|--------|--------------|-------------|-----|-------|
   | @[handle1] | [platform] | Negotiating | [date] | Send revised offer | [date] | Wants more $ |
   | @[handle2] | [platform] | Awaiting Response | [date] | Follow-up #2 | [date] | No response yet |
   | @[handle3] | [platform] | Confirmed | [date] | Send contract | [date] | Agreed to terms |
   | @[handle4] | [platform] | Declined | [date] | Archive | - | Not taking sponsors |
   
   ### Today's Actions
   
   | Priority | Influencer | Action | Notes |
   |----------|------------|--------|-------|
   | 🔴 High | @[handle] | [action] | [notes] |
   | 🟡 Medium | @[handle] | [action] | [notes] |
   | 🟢 Low | @[handle] | [action] | [notes] |
   
   ### Pipeline Health
   
   - **Response rate**: [%] (Industry avg: 15-25%)
   - **Confirmation rate**: [%] (Industry avg: 20-40% of responses)
   - **Average time to confirm**: [X days]
   - **Top objection**: [most common reason for decline]
   

Example

User: "Write outreach for @sustainablesarah (45K Instagram followers, posts about eco-friendly lifestyle) for our organic skincare launch"

Output:

## Outreach for @sustainablesarah

### Personalization Points
- Recent post: "5 swaps for a zero-waste bathroom"
- Style: Educational, lifestyle, authentic
- Past partners: Grove Collaborative, Public Goods

### Primary Message

Subject: Love your zero-waste content – collab with [Brand]?

Hi Sarah!

I just watched your "zero-waste bathroom" post and immediately added reusable cotton rounds to my shopping list 😊 Your content has such a genuine approach to sustainability – it's refreshing!

I'm [Name] from [Brand], and we make organic skincare with fully compostable packaging (yes, even the jar!). We're launching our new collection and immediately thought of you.

We'd love to send you our full line to try, and if you love it, partner on a sponsored post + Stories showing your skincare routine. We're offering $[X] plus product and full creative freedom.

Would you be interested? Happy to share more details!

Best,
[Name]

Tips for Successful Outreach

1. Do your research - Reference specific content
2. Lead with value - What's in it for them?
3. Be concise - Busy creators skim
4. Be professional but human - Not corporate-speak
5. Make responding easy - Clear ask, simple yes/no
6. Respect their time - Don't over-follow-up

Reference Materials

• skill-contract.md — shared contract and Handoff Summary format.
• state-model.md — memory tiers and save-path conventions.
• CONNECTORS.md — free/keyless data recipe per connector category.
• C3 benchmark scoring at references/c3/scoring-architecture.md — quality scoring reference for downstream review.
• Sibling skills: influencer-discovery, fit-scorer, brief-generator, contract-helper, content-reviewer.

Next Best Skill

• Primary: content-reviewer — once a partner is confirmed and creates content, review the draft against the brief before it ships.
• Alternate: contract-helper — finalize agreed terms into a partnership agreement.
• Alternate: brief-generator — send a full campaign brief to a creator who asked for more detail.

Termination note: keep a visited-set. If a skill in this chain was already invoked this session, stop and report chain-complete rather than re-running it. Max handoff depth is 3.

Related Skills

• influencer-discovery - Find influencers to reach out to
• fit-scorer - Prioritize who to contact first
• brief-generator - Send briefs to confirmed partners
• contract-helper - Finalize agreements