As the year draws to a close, I'll be doing some final new business followups to prospective customers and can imagine you'll be doing the same. Setting reminders for every mail I send and then sending compelling messages that elicit responses is crucial. Whether for sales or PR, getting replies is an art.

So, I thought this food for thought from Shane at Farnam Street was pretty neat:

"You have just six seconds to capture someone’s attention — but if you interest them, you earn another twenty to thirty seconds.

Practically, this means you have about thirteen words to hook them and another thirty to forty to deliver your most compelling information.

If your email exceeds 100 words, allocate your editing time wisely: dedicate 40% to perfecting the first sentence, 40% to refining the next 2-3 sentences, and just 20% to polishing the remainder."

This is why, when pitching via email, I always suggest short emails that fit within the screen. Obviously, this newsletter is an exception to the rule! ; )

thank you, as always, for reading,

Jon

p.s. three honorable mentions that didn't make the regular link layout below: 1. How much of your career is down to ‘luck’? 2. Nº19 of Joachim's Foretaste newsletter is a good one! 3. 52 things Tom Whitwell learned in 2024

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Bikes

Despite the downturn, key indicators that reaffirm e-bikes' success

I've been on the hunt for ways to keep hope alive in 2025 & Morten stacked up a solid list:

📉 The Reality: 2024 has seen a dip in e-bike sales growth compared to the explosive years of the pandemic. Factors such as inflation, tighter consumer budgets, and lingering supply chain disruptions have tempered the pace of adoption.

🌟 The Positives: Despite the downturn, there are key indicators of resilience and innovation that reaffirm the long-term potential of e-bikes:

1️⃣ Policy Support: Governments worldwide are doubling down on sustainable mobility. In 2024, France announced a €1 billion investment in cycling infrastructure, with a major focus on e-bike-friendly cities.

2️⃣ Corporate Adoption: Companies are integrating e-bikes into employee benefits programs. In the Netherlands, employers now offer tax-free e-bike leases as a green commuting solution.

3️⃣ Technological Advancements: E-bike manufacturers are innovating with lighter, longer-lasting batteries and smart technology, making e-bikes more appealing and efficient than ever.

4️⃣ Consumer Trends: While overall sales slowed, e-bike usage for daily commutes rose by 12% globally, showing a behavioral shift that prioritizes cost-effective and eco-friendly transport.