Source: https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140610145359-10999323-how-to-write-a-networking-email-that-gets-responses?trk=mp-details-rc
When was the last time you connected with someone on Twitter or a met a cool professional at a networking event? Did you do anything to follow up with them?
This week is National Email Week. To celebrate, why not focus on your networking efforts by sending out a few emails to professionals with whom you’d like to connect?
Email is still one of the most effective ways to connect with people, especially when 91 percent of people check their email every day. If you’re hoping to grow your network this summer, here are five tips for writing impressive networking emails that get responses:
1. Be human.
First things first, never start a networking email with “To Whom It May Concern.” This is one of the most old-fashioned, impersonal ways to address a person.
Networking emails are meant to establish a new relationship, so be friendly with your approach. If you’re struggling to find someone’s name and email or feel stuck when introducing yourself, there are a few things you can do.
First, to find a person’s name, scour LinkedIn, their employer’s website, and social media. Typically, you can find employees listed on the “About Us” page of a company website.
If you already know a person’s name but can’t find their email, you can always try using various combinations of their name with @NameOfCompany.com. Using this strategy may cause some emails to bounce back if the email doesn’t exist, but it’s a good start.
When you’re ready to write your email, here’s an example of how you can format your introduction:
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for connecting with me on LinkedIn last week. It’s such a pleasure to meet you!
2. Feed their ego.
A great way to capture someone’s attention is to flatter them with your email. For example, you can highlight one of their accomplishments that impressed you or something you admire about them. This is a great way to show you’ve done some research and that you’re genuinely interested in building a relationship with the person.
For example:
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for connecting with me on LinkedIn last week. It’s such a pleasure to meet you!
I saw your article published on LinkedIn about career development for Millennials and thought it offered some great advice. I was wondering if we could speak further about your thoughts on job search tips for Millennials.
3. Be concise.
Let’s face it -- we’re all busy people. No one has time these days to read through an email the length of a blog post.
When sending a networking email, it’s extremely important you keep it short and sweet. Once the recipient opens your email, they should be able to skim through it and respond within a few minutes.
Here are some key points your networking email should touch upon:
Introduce yourself and explain your purpose for reaching out.
The recipient’s interests (such as their job) and why you want to get to know them.
A call to action. For example: Do you want to meet for coffee or set up a phone interview?
Finally, politely close your email.
4. Grab attention with your subject line.
One of the biggest challenges of sending networking emails is actually getting people to open them. According to MailChimp, email subject lines that are timely and imply quick action receive a 93 percent open rate.
The subject line is your opportunity to make a positive first impression and get the relationship off on the right foot. To grab the recipient’s attention, make sure your message has a sense of urgency with a personal touch.
Here are some example of effective networking email subject lines:
Ball State University Grad Seeking Job Shadow
Following Up from Friday’s Networking Event
Informational Interview Request -- John Doe
Accounting Professional Seeking Career Advice
5. Be patient, yet persistent.
Corporate email users receive an average of 120 emails per day. So, after you send a networking email, give the recipient seven to 10 days to get back to you. Keep in mind it’s easy for emails to get lost in inboxes. This period gives the recipient enough time to go through their inbox and get back to you. If they don’t get back to you, then it’s appropriate to send a follow-up email.
Networking emails are a great strategy for any Millennials job search. By following these tips, you’ll spark more relationships and even make connections that could lead to future job opportunities.
What tips do you have for writing an effective networking email?
When was the last time you connected with someone on Twitter or a met a cool professional at a networking event? Did you do anything to follow up with them?
This week is National Email Week. To celebrate, why not focus on your networking efforts by sending out a few emails to professionals with whom you’d like to connect?
Email is still one of the most effective ways to connect with people, especially when 91 percent of people check their email every day. If you’re hoping to grow your network this summer, here are five tips for writing impressive networking emails that get responses:
1. Be human.
First things first, never start a networking email with “To Whom It May Concern.” This is one of the most old-fashioned, impersonal ways to address a person.
Networking emails are meant to establish a new relationship, so be friendly with your approach. If you’re struggling to find someone’s name and email or feel stuck when introducing yourself, there are a few things you can do.
First, to find a person’s name, scour LinkedIn, their employer’s website, and social media. Typically, you can find employees listed on the “About Us” page of a company website.
If you already know a person’s name but can’t find their email, you can always try using various combinations of their name with @NameOfCompany.com. Using this strategy may cause some emails to bounce back if the email doesn’t exist, but it’s a good start.
When you’re ready to write your email, here’s an example of how you can format your introduction:
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for connecting with me on LinkedIn last week. It’s such a pleasure to meet you!
2. Feed their ego.
A great way to capture someone’s attention is to flatter them with your email. For example, you can highlight one of their accomplishments that impressed you or something you admire about them. This is a great way to show you’ve done some research and that you’re genuinely interested in building a relationship with the person.
For example:
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for connecting with me on LinkedIn last week. It’s such a pleasure to meet you!
I saw your article published on LinkedIn about career development for Millennials and thought it offered some great advice. I was wondering if we could speak further about your thoughts on job search tips for Millennials.
3. Be concise.
Let’s face it -- we’re all busy people. No one has time these days to read through an email the length of a blog post.
When sending a networking email, it’s extremely important you keep it short and sweet. Once the recipient opens your email, they should be able to skim through it and respond within a few minutes.
Here are some key points your networking email should touch upon:
Introduce yourself and explain your purpose for reaching out.
The recipient’s interests (such as their job) and why you want to get to know them.
A call to action. For example: Do you want to meet for coffee or set up a phone interview?
Finally, politely close your email.
4. Grab attention with your subject line.
One of the biggest challenges of sending networking emails is actually getting people to open them. According to MailChimp, email subject lines that are timely and imply quick action receive a 93 percent open rate.
The subject line is your opportunity to make a positive first impression and get the relationship off on the right foot. To grab the recipient’s attention, make sure your message has a sense of urgency with a personal touch.
Here are some example of effective networking email subject lines:
Ball State University Grad Seeking Job Shadow
Following Up from Friday’s Networking Event
Informational Interview Request -- John Doe
Accounting Professional Seeking Career Advice
5. Be patient, yet persistent.
Corporate email users receive an average of 120 emails per day. So, after you send a networking email, give the recipient seven to 10 days to get back to you. Keep in mind it’s easy for emails to get lost in inboxes. This period gives the recipient enough time to go through their inbox and get back to you. If they don’t get back to you, then it’s appropriate to send a follow-up email.
Networking emails are a great strategy for any Millennials job search. By following these tips, you’ll spark more relationships and even make connections that could lead to future job opportunities.
What tips do you have for writing an effective networking email?
