# Cold email outreach workflow with OpenAI and Gmail: n8n workflow

> Started by a clock, and works across Gmail and Google Sheets. It hands the judgement calls to OpenAI.

Source: https://millionrounds.com/workflow/cold-email-outreach-workflow-with-openai-and-gmail (Millionrounds; every figure on the page links to its filing or article)

[Automation library](https://millionrounds.com/workflows) · [Lead generation](https://millionrounds.com/workflows?category=Lead+generation#library)

# Cold email outreach workflow with OpenAI and Gmail

Started by a clock, and works across Gmail and Google Sheets. It hands the judgement calls to OpenAI. 7 steps: small enough to read in one sitting and change without fear.

Small Calls a model: OpenAI

[Download free](https://millionrounds.com/login?next=%2Fapp%2Fworkflow%2Fcold-email-outreach-workflow-with-openai-and-gmail)

**7 steps** Small: readable in one sitting

**0** Branches: places the flow splits

**0** Loops or waits

**2** Services it connects to

## The flow

Starts it 1 Model 3 Service 3

The steps in the order they run, from what starts it.

- 1 **Schedule Trigger** Schedule trigger *Starts it*
- 2 **OpenAI Chat Model** Lm Chat Open Ai *Model*
- 3 **Structured Output Parser** Output Parser Structured *Model*
- 4 **Get Lead (CRM)** Google Sheets *Service*
- 5 **Email Crafter** Chain Llm *Model*
- 6 **Send a message** Gmail *Service*
- 7 **Update Status (CRM)** Google Sheets *Service*

## How it's built

- **Starts on:** A clock
- **Steps:** 7
- **Size:** Small: readable in one sitting
- **Connects to:** Gmail, Google Sheets
- **Model:** OpenAI

## Questions

What does it need to run?

An n8n account, plus your own Gmail and Google Sheets accounts, and a key for OpenAI. You connect your own accounts after importing it; none are included.

What starts it?

It starts on a clock.

Does it use AI?

Yes. It calls OpenAI. Model calls are billed by the provider, not by n8n.

How long does it take to set up?

Not long. At 7 steps it can be read in one sitting and changed without fear.

How do I import it?

Copy the workflow, open a new workflow in n8n and paste. The steps appear on the canvas, ready for your own accounts.

**Before you run it**

Nothing here has been tested by us. It is somebody's working automation, read and described from its own steps. Treat the connections it wants as a list of accounts it will touch, and read the 7 steps before you point it at anything that matters.

## Run it in n8n

- **Create your n8n account** Free to start. n8n is where the workflow runs. [Create an n8n account ↗](https://millionrounds.com/n8n)
- **Download the workflow** Free with a Millionrounds account. [Download free](https://millionrounds.com/login?next=%2Fapp%2Fworkflow%2Fcold-email-outreach-workflow-with-openai-and-gmail)
- **Paste it into n8n** Open a new workflow in n8n and paste. Then connect your own accounts.

Stored with the author's traces removed: canvas notes, instance identifiers, saved credential names and any live document they had left behind.

## Connects to

Each opens the other workflows that use it.

[Gmail](https://millionrounds.com/workflows?service=Gmail#library)[Google Sheets](https://millionrounds.com/workflows?service=Google+Sheets#library)

## Workflows like it

Also lead generation, with the same services where possible, closest in size first.

- [**AI Cold Email Automation with Google Sheets and Gmail** 7 steps · calls a model · Gmail, Google Sheets](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/ai-cold-email-automation-with-google-sheets-and-gmail)
- [**AI data enrichment pipeline for contacts and companies** 7 steps · calls a model · Google Sheets](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/ai-data-enrichment-pipeline-for-contacts-and-companies)
- [**AI-drafted reply notifications** 7 steps · calls a model · Gmail](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/ai-drafted-reply-notifications)
- [**AI-powered lead scoring & personalized responses with JotForm** 7 steps · calls a model · Gmail, Google Sheets](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/ai-powered-lead-scoring-and-personalized-responses-with-jotf)
- [**Analyze and route Salesforce leads with OpenAI** 7 steps · calls a model · Gmail, Google Sheets](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/analyze-and-route-salesforce-leads-with-openai)
- [**Auto-personalized first touch for new leads with OpenAI** 7 steps · calls a model · Google Sheets](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/auto-personalized-first-touch-for-new-leads-with-openai)