Networking is very much alive. Even though the process has changed a little, it’s still one of the best ways to advance your career. How can you use email, one of the most powerful networking tools you have at your disposal, to forge deeper connections? Use these networking email templates to advance your career.
How To Network Via Email
When should you network by email?
Following are some scenarios where sending a networking email may be especially beneficial:
Why is it important to network by email?
Any form of networking can assist you in compiling a list of business contacts. But whether you can meet in person or not, email networking allows you to connect with and maintain professional relationships with people you admire.
Tips for networking by email
Follow these straightforward guidelines to get the most benefit from your networking emails:
Personalize your message
If your objective is to network with a large number of individuals in your industry, you might be tempted to send the same message to everyone by copying and pasting it. Despite the possibility that you may send similar messages to numerous contacts, you ought to always include a few distinctive details. You can create deeper connections by including extra notes, like expressing your admiration for the recipient’s particular accomplishments.
Show how you can help
You might occasionally use email to network for jobs or to market the services your company offers. However, it’s best to avoid using language that emphasizes sales when you first introduce yourself via email. Keep your attention on how the recipient will benefit from connecting with you, and reserve any sales pitches or job inquiries for later messages.
Proofread before sending
You should always read over your networking emails before sending them, just like with any other type of formal communication. You can send an email free of grammatical mistakes by carefully reading it once before sending it. Additionally, a flawless email can enhance your ability to leave a good impression on the recipient.
Maintain connections
Email networking can result in long-lasting professional relationships beyond simple introductions. Following initial introductions, routinely check in with the people in your network. You could send a contact an email to congratulate them on their promotion or to inform them of an industry event or job opportunity. Eventually, you might even send a networking email referral request.
How to write an effective networking email
Follow these three steps when writing a networking email:
1. Start with research
You should be familiar with more information when you email a new business contact than just their name, employer, and position. Do some basic background research on the person before communicating with them to learn more about their past employers, career highlights, and academic affiliations. You can modify your message to reflect their qualifications if you know these extra details.
2. Keep your introduction concise
Due to their busy schedules, successful people may have little time to read and respond to emails. Keep your introduction brief and to the point to increase the likelihood of getting a favorable response. Briefly state who you are and clarify how youre connected. Afterward, state why you want to network with that particular person.
3. End with a call to action (CTA)
After introducing yourself, conclude by suggesting the next step. For instance, you might want to ask for an informational interview or arrange to meet for coffee at the subsequent business gathering.
Networking email template
Find the ideal networking email template to frame your message clearly:
1. Brief follow-up
*Hello [Name],
It was a pleasure to speak with you about [topic] at [location or event]. After we talked, I found the attached article about [topic]. I thought youd find it interesting, too.
I look forward to keeping in touch. If you would like to [CTA], please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]*
2. Informational interview
*Hello [Name],
I have grown to admire your [work or accomplishment] as a [job title] with [company]. I’m interested in learning more about [specialty area] and was hoping you could offer some insight. I’d like to meet with you at [location] if it’s possible so I can learn more about your professional background. Are you available [date and time]? .
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]*
Examples of good networking emails
These examples can be useful for learning how to write a networking email to a friend or a total stranger:
1. Brief follow-up
Hello Pat,
It was a pleasure to speak with you about SEO advancements at the Prime Digital Marketing Conference 2021. After our conversation, I discovered the accompanying article about forecasts for the upcoming search engine algorithm update. I thought youd find it interesting, too.
I look forward to keeping in touch. If you want to work with me on a presentation for the conference the following year, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.
Sincerely,
Hannah Lee
2. Informational interview
Hello Pat,
I’ve come to respect the articles you’ve written about sales writing for the software industry as a copywriter with AdvanceTech. If you have any information on copywriting for technology niches, it would be greatly appreciated.
If you’re available, I’d love to speak with you via video call to learn more about your professional background. Are you available next Friday afternoon? .
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Hannah Lee
FAQ
How do you network someone through email?
- Tell them something about their work you admire. …
- Call out your similarities. …
- Tell them how you can help. …
- Ask them for help or advice. …
- Always start with an easy ask.
When should you send a networking email?
You Should Try. Send your messages on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Tuesdays are scheduled that way because Mondays still have some of the weekend’s haze on them, while on Tuesday “the reality [of work] sets in.” So perhaps by Tuesday, we’ll all be trying to find ways to avoid the tasks at our desks!
How do I write a cold network email?
- Be intentional in who you connect with. …
- Create a memorable subject line. …
- Provide a pleasant greeting. …
- Introduce yourself and give a brief bio. …
- Offer a compliment or a gift. …
- Show the value in connecting with you. …
- Include a clear call to action. …
- Thank them and close your email.
