Please email me ideally. I prefer written communication / mail as far as possible.
Why? Here goes
- I am better on mail (asynchronous / written) than on voice / video (synchronous / spoken). My mails are usually more clearer and direct while my dialogues are often rambling☺
- I find that writing helps clarify thinking. So when you write it out, it almost always helps you get a better grasp on what you are seeking. This usually makes the emailing more likely to get you what you need.
- It is tough to have anything less than a 15min call; usually it is more like 25-30mins. I struggle for time anyway, and hence it is better for me to convert a meeting or call into a mail especially if it can meet your objectives! (see here on me and meetings).
Given the above, please mail me - please be super direct in your mail. Ask me 1-2 questions that I can answer in <3 mins and you will almost always get a response from me, typically in 2-3 days, latest in a week. If you don’t get a reply it means it is not an email that I can reply to in <3 mins.
Please do note that given a high traffic inbox, it is not always possible to reply to every cold email or message, especially one that demands more than 2-3 minutes to reply. See https://sriramk.com/coldemail for how to write an effective cold mail.
When writing to me please avoid the following
- asking me for mentorship / advice for your startup when there is no fundraising involved. Why? See here for the reason.
- asking me for linkedin recommendations (I have stopped giving LinkedIn recommendations due to lack of time)
- asking me for advice on getting into VC (Why? See here.)
The following colour on me will be useful
- Pls be direct when you communicate with me. My style is friendly but direct. I can be very curt occasionally too but I mean well🙂
- Additionally please feel free to push back if you don't agree with me. Logic and data help, or a strong perspective-led argument. I am very open to changing my views. 'Strong views, very weakly held' is a personal mantra.