Write to someone specific

This is a tip for making your newsletters feel more like reading a DM from a pal, and less like reading a corporate memo:

Think about who you are writing to, and write to them. I don't mean "my email list," "existing customers," or even "female C-suite execs." I want you to think of a specific person, who you know would benefit from your email. 

How can you use it right now? 

Open a new Google doc and start your next email newsletter with "Hi [name of a specific person you actually know, who would benefit from the email you're about to write]. Then write the email, as though you are writing to that specific person. Finally, go back and delete their name (and any personal references, if you got really into the task!). 

"Hey Millie," puts me in a far more specific headspace than "Hi $FNAME,".