Building a strong professional network is essential for success in any field. While attending networking events provides valuable opportunities to connect with others, the real key to establishing lasting connections lies in effective follow-up, primarily through email communication.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with the essential tips, best practices, and templates to cultivate a robust network and build a strong professional reputation using email as your foundation.

We will explore:

• Effective strategies for crafting compelling networking emails and attention-grabbing subject lines.
• Nine versatile networking email templates tailored for various scenarios.
• Additional networking email subject lines to maximize your chances of engagement.

Whether you’re networking to enhance your small business, advance your career, or secure a new job opportunity, mastering these fundamental principles will ensure that you make the most of your networking efforts and respect the time of others.

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Follow-up Networking Emails:

• Follow-up email to establish connection
• Follow-up email to continue the conversation
• Follow-up email after no response
• Additional follow-up networking email subject lines

Reconnection Networking Emails:

• Reconnection email to maintain relationship
• Reconnection email with request
• Additional reconnection networking email subject lines

“Cold” Outreach/Introductory Networking Emails:

• Informational interview email (career growth)
• Informational interview email (business owner)
• Connecting two people in your network
• Reaching out to someone you were referred to
• Additional outreach/introductory networking email subject lines

Mastering the Art of Writing Networking Emails

Networking involves a certain finesse, with individuals adopting unique approaches influenced by their profession, personality, and work style. However, certain fundamental principles apply universally to all networking emails.

Providing Value

Think of networking emails like a shared meal. Instead of overwhelming recipients with a large feast of information or a crowded platter of links and advice, offer a small, valuable side dish. This could be a single link to a relevant article, a helpful tool or resource, contact information for someone who could assist them, or even an offer to share your insights on a specific topic when you meet.

Brevity is Key

Craft your networking emails with conciseness in mind. Even if you established a strong personal connection and offered numerous tips and resources, avoid overloading the email. It’s best to establish the connection first and then share additional resources later or during a follow-up meeting.

Specificity and Personalization

Make your networking emails stand out by incorporating specific details. Mention the event where you met, propose specific dates and times for a follow-up meeting, and most importantly, reference a specific detail from your conversation to demonstrate attentiveness and make your email memorable.

Timeliness Matters

Following up promptly with new contacts from networking events is crucial. While immediate contact isn’t necessary, reaching out within a day while the event is still fresh in their mind is ideal.

Infuse Your Personality

While professionalism is essential, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your networking emails and subject lines. Just as a brand distinguishes a business, your personality sets you apart from the crowd.

Adopt a Long-Term Perspective

Networking is a marathon, not a sprint. While prompt follow-up is important, don’t be discouraged by a lack of immediate response. Circumstances vary, and people may be busy. Remember that many contacts may not lead to regular interaction, but your thoughtful initial email will pave the way for future reconnections as needed.

Crafting Compelling Networking Email Subject Lines

The principles for crafting effective networking email subject lines generally align with those for general email subject lines, with the advantage that they are often easier to formulate.

Here are the key guidelines:

Keep it Concise: Aim for brevity, ideally 50 characters or fewer, allowing recipients to quickly grasp the email’s purpose.

Personalize: Tailor each subject line, even for similar emails sent after a networking event, by including the recipient’s name or a specific detail from your conversation.

Clarity is Key: Clearly convey the email’s purpose, especially if it includes a request. Directness is appreciated.

Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals of networking emails and subject lines, let’s explore some practical templates.

Follow-Up Networking Emails and Subject Lines

Following up within a day of connecting with someone at a conference, networking event, or social gathering is essential to solidify the connection. This demonstrates your interest and increases the likelihood of establishing a meaningful relationship.

P.S. Discover a plethora of follow-up email templates [here](link to relevant resource).

Example #1: Follow-Up Email to Establish Connection

Template

Subject line: Great Connecting with You, [name]!

Hi [name],

It was a pleasure meeting you last night at the [event name]. I particularly enjoyed our conversation about [something specific they mentioned that resonated with you].

As promised, here is [something you offered during the conversation, such as a link to an article or resource].

Let’s stay connected!

Best regards,

[Your first name]

[Your full name] [Your company if applicable] [Your phone number] [Your website if applicable] [LinkedIn profile link]

Example #2: Follow-Up Email to Continue the Conversation

Template

Subject line: Catching Up After [Event Name]

Hi [name],

It was wonderful chatting with you last night at the [event name]. I found your insights on [something specific you discussed] incredibly insightful.

I’d love to continue our conversation over coffee sometime soon. Are you free sometime next week? I’m available on [list specific days and times]. Please let me know what works best for you.

Best,

[Your first name]

[Your full name] [Your company if applicable] [Your phone number] [Your website if applicable] [LinkedIn profile link]

Example #3: Follow-Up Email After No Response

Send this email as a reply to your previous email to maintain the same subject line and include the original message for context.

Template

Subject: Re: [original email subject line]

Hi [name],

Just wanted to follow up and see if you had a chance to review my previous email.

Please let me know if you’re available for a quick call on [propose a specific day] to discuss [briefly mention the topic].

Best regards,

[Your name]

Additional Subject Lines for Networking Follow-Up Emails

Here are some alternative subject lines for your networking follow-up emails:

• Connecting After [Event Name]
• [Your Name] from [Event/Place]
• Following Up on Our Chat at [Event/Place]
• Great Meeting You Last Night!
• Continuing the Conversation from [Event Name]/About [Topic]
• Sharing the [Resource/Information] We Discussed

Reconnection Networking Emails and Subject Lines

Networking is an ongoing process, and reconnecting with past contacts is equally important as establishing new connections. Properly nurturing your network ensures that you have valuable connections to reach out to as your career or business evolves.

Example #4: Reconnection Email to Maintain the Relationship

This type of email is suitable for individuals you’ve interacted with multiple times, such as former colleagues or clients.

Template

Subject line: Checking In and Saying Hello

Hi [name],

Hope you’re doing well! I was recently [mention something relevant to your connection that made you think of them] and your name came to mind.

Just wanted to check in and see how things are going. I noticed [mention something specific about their work or company] - very impressive!

Wishing you all the best!

Best regards,

[Your first name]

[Your full name] [Your company if applicable] [Your phone number] [Your website if applicable] [LinkedIn profile link]

Example #5: Reconnection Email with Request

Template

Subject line: Catching Up and Exploring Opportunities

Hi [name],

It’s been too long! I was recently reviewing your website/portfolio/LinkedIn profile and was impressed by [mention a specific accomplishment or project].

I’d love to catch up and explore potential collaborations or ways we can support each other’s businesses. I recently [mention something relevant to their interests or industry] that you might find valuable.

Would you be open to a quick call sometime next week?

Best regards,

[Your first name]

[Your full name] [Your company if applicable] [Your phone number] [Your website if applicable] [LinkedIn profile link]

Additional Subject Lines for Reconnection Networking Emails

For reconnection emails, a strong subject line is crucial to jog their memory and encourage them to open your email.

Here are some effective options:

• Reconnecting After All This Time
• [Your Name] from [Your Company] - Seeking a Quick Chat
• Catching Up and Exploring Synergies
• Checking In Since We Last Spoke
• Happy [Season]! Hope to Connect Soon

“Cold” Outreach/Introductory Networking Emails and Subject Lines

First impressions matter, especially when sending unsolicited networking emails to individuals you haven’t met. These emails represent your personal and professional brand, so crafting a compelling message is crucial.

Unlike shorter networking emails, cold outreach introductions can be slightly longer to demonstrate your research and the value you offer.

Example #6: Informational Interview Request for Career Growth

This email template is suitable for reaching out to someone in a role or industry you’re interested in, a company with admirable strategies, or someone in a similar role to exchange insights.

While offering something specific in return might not be possible at this stage, a general gesture of reciprocity can be effective.

Using a direct subject line is recommended to avoid being mistaken for a sales or recruitment email.

Template

Subject line: Seeking Insights on Your Experience in [Industry/Role]

Hi [name],

My name is [your name] and I’m currently a [your current role] at [hyperlinked company name], a [brief company description]. I’ve been researching [mention the industry/role/company] and I’m incredibly impressed by your work, especially [mention a specific project or accomplishment].

I’d be grateful for the opportunity to learn from your expertise. Would you be available for a brief informational interview over the phone or video call sometime in the coming weeks? I’m eager to hear about your journey and insights on [mention specific areas of interest].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your first name]

[Your full name] [Your company if applicable] [Your phone number] [Your website if applicable] [LinkedIn profile link]

Example #7: Informational Interview Request for Business Growth

Template

Subject line: Fellow Entrepreneur Seeking Business Insights

Hi [name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [your name] and I’m in the early stages of launching my own [business type] business. While researching the industry, I came across [their company name] and was thoroughly impressed by [mention something specific you admire about their business].

I’d be honored to have the opportunity to learn from your experience as a fellow entrepreneur. Would you be available for a quick chat over the phone or coffee to share insights on [mention specific areas of interest, such as marketing strategies, growth tactics, or industry trends]?

I’m flexible and happy to work around your schedule. Please let me know what days or times work best for you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your first name]

[Your full name] [Your company if applicable] [Your phone number] [Your website if applicable] [LinkedIn profile link]

Example #8: Connecting Two People in Your Network

Template

Subject line: Introducing [Name] - You Two Should Connect!

Hi [name],

Hope things are going well at [their company name]. I wanted to introduce you to [person, linked to their LinkedIn profile], a fellow professional in the [industry/field] space. [Briefly describe the person and their expertise, highlighting their unique qualities or accomplishments].

[Name], meet [name]. We met at [briefly describe how you met] and I immediately thought of you when discussing [mention the shared interest or area of expertise]. [Mention the person’s willingness to connect and share their knowledge, if applicable].

Feel free to connect and schedule a time to chat. I’ll let you two take it from here!

Best regards,

[Your name] [Your phone number] [Your LinkedIn profile link]

Example #9: Reaching Out to Someone You’ve Been Referred To

Template

Subject line: Referral from [Name] - Connecting with a Fellow Professional

Hi [name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [your name] and I was fortunate enough to receive your contact information from our mutual acquaintance, [name]. I run a [industry] business and believe our paths could be mutually beneficial. I was particularly impressed by [mention something specific you admire about their website, products, services, or work].

I’d love to connect further and explore potential synergies. Would you be open to a quick coffee meeting or a virtual chat to exchange ideas? Feel free to call or text me at [number] as well.

Wishing you a productive week ahead!

Best regards,

[Your first name]

[Your full name] [Your company if applicable] [Your phone number] [Your website if applicable] [LinkedIn profile link]

Additional Subject Lines for Outreach/Introductory Networking Emails

Here are some additional subject lines to capture attention and encourage recipients to open your introductory networking emails:

• Connecting with a Fellow Professional in the [Industry/Field] Space
• Aspiring [Job Role] Seeking Guidance and Insights
• Introduction from [Your Name/Company Name]
• Impressed by Your Work at [Company Name] - Let’s Connect!
• Connecting You with [Name] - A Valuable Contact in [Industry/Field]

Elevate Your Networking Game with Compelling Emails

Networking emails, while often brief, require careful crafting to make a positive and lasting impression. Use these tips, templates, and subject line ideas to create compelling emails that will help you build and nurture your professional network for years to come.

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