📧 The one email I send every December (steal my template)

Every December, I send the same email to 15 people. | The Activated Leader #024

Author

Lilah Jones
December 09, 2025

In partnership with

Issue #024

IN THIS ISSUE:

The Tech newsletter for Engineers who want to stay ahead

Tech moves fast, but you're still playing catch-up?

That's exactly why 100K+ engineers working at Google, Meta, and Apple read The Code twice a week.

Here's what you get:

  • Curated tech news that shapes your career - Filtered from thousands of sources so you know what's coming 6 months early.

  • Practical resources you can use immediately - Real tutorials and tools that solve actual engineering problems.

  • Research papers and insights decoded - We break down complex tech so you understand what matters.

All delivered twice a week in just 2 short emails.

Every December, I send the same email to 15 people.

It takes me 2 hours total.

And it's generated more career opportunities than any resume, LinkedIn optimization, or networking event I've ever done.

Last year, one of those emails reconnected me with someone who became my biggest client referral source.

But the best one? When I was an account manager at Microsoft, one December email led to an 8-figure deal.

Today I'm sharing the exact template. And I'm challenging you to send it this week.

Why December is relationship capital gold:

Most people wait until January to "get back in touch."

Which means December is when you stand out.

People are reflective. They have time. They're thinking about the year ahead.

And a genuine "thinking of you" message in December means 10x more than a "Happy New Year" message in January.

The email I send:

Subject: Grateful for you this year

Hi [Name],

I've been thinking about the people who've made an impact on my year, and you came to mind.

[One specific thing about them or your relationship - this is key]

I'd love to catch up if you have 15 minutes in the next few weeks. No agenda, just want to hear what you're working on.

Let me know what works for your schedule.

Grateful for you,

[Your name]

Why this works:

It's specific. You mention something real about them.

It's brief. No one has time for long emails right now.

It's genuine. You're not asking for anything except connection.

It's easy. They can say yes or no without guilt.

Your challenge this week:

Pick 10-15 people and send this email.

Former colleagues. Mentors. That person you met at a conference. The executive who interviewed you years ago.

People you want to stay connected with—not because you need something, but because the relationship matters.

Want my complete guide?

I created a simple resource: “Relationship Activation Guide (includes templates) 

It also includes:

  • How to pick the right 15 people

  • 5 email templates for different relationships

  • What to do when they say yes

  • How to make it a 20-minute habit (not a 2-hour project)

But here's the real gift:

Send me your version of "the email" (hit reply) and I'll enter you to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

I'm giving away 5 gift cards to people who actually do this exercise.

Just reply with:

  1. Who you're sending it to (first name only)

  2. Your personalized version of the email

I'll pick 5 winners on Friday and announce them next Tuesday.

That's it for this week.

Two actions:

This is the simplest networking hack I know.

And it only works in December.

Don't wait until January when everyone else is doing it.

See you next Tuesday.

Ways I Can Help You:

1. The Activated Leader 1:1 Coaching
Navigate your transition with personalized support and accountability.
Learn more →

2. Keynote Speaking
Bring The Activation Methodology to your team or event.
Book Lilah →

3. Activate your sales organization
With 20+ years of revenue leadership expertise from Microsoft, Oracle, EMC, and Google.
Explore here →

4. Fractional CRO Strategic sales leadership for organizations who need executive-level expertise without a full-time hire. I help tech companies build pipeline, close enterprise deals, and activate their revenue teams. Explore fractional support →

Reply

or to participate.