Using HARO for Link Building?

I consistently hear about how HARO is so amazing, but it's a grind. Every so often I give it another try, but in my own experience, I end up being very picky about which emails I respond to, and I take my time in my responses, and nothing ever comes of it. I do admit I probably don't give it a fair shot, and expect to see results after spending only an hour replying to emails. I know it works. I just don't have the patience to do it myself. On the other hand, I feel like it's not really something you can outsource well, because the benefit comes from the fact that it's your own words and your own expertise speaking on something.

P.S. If anyone out there has any HARO tips, please share!! ;)