“Your network is your net worth.”
Networking is the fundamental strategy behind established businesses and start-ups. Successful marketers consider networking as an investment. If one can do it correctly, it’s enough to take you to great heights.
Given that email is the most preferred medium by business people, what’s better than starting by writing a networking email?
You will find everything you need to know about networking via email here. For networking email samples, please scroll down the page.
Networking | What is it exactly?
It’s a mutual relationship between two organizations/individuals from the same industry. It includes the transfer of ideas and information that can benefit both parties.
Generally, networking can be divided into two types:
- Between companies
- Between individuals
Two companies network to establish a trustworthy rapport to make it easier to conduct business in the future.
Individuals who work full-time/freelance in separate companies network to gain advice and help each other to advance in the industry. Entrepreneurs also come in this category because they often network with experienced businesspeople for mentorship.
Again, networking can happen in two ways: online and offline.
There are LinkedIn, Twitter, outreach emails, and various social media platforms for online networking. You can attend a networking event for offline connections.
What makes a networking email?
Email sent to build or maintain a connection with other professionals in your field.
If you’re writing it to a stranger, it's a cold networking email.
The email can also be addressed to people from your existing professional contacts and personal connections.
Benefits of Networking
There are several benefits of networking. Here’s a list of the primary gains as noted by marketers:
- Mentorship
- Investment
- Introduction to new sales techniques
- Information about competitor's marketing strategies
- Perfect employees
- New leads
- Updates on industry standards & trends
- Brand awareness
- Technical/non-technical tools necessary for the business
- Knowledge on management
The above points are especially relevant to business-to-business (B2B) newbies. From gathering funds to finding new leads, networking with the right people in your business can provide practical insights about running a company.
Should I Network?
YES. No matter what your profession or goal is, you must think about networking to be a successful individual.
Networking will help you know people in important places who will lead you to various job opportunities. If not direct opportunities, they will surely provide advice that you will find nowhere else.
So, in a nutshell, networking is a common strategy for all–college grads, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, artists, business owners, content creators, etc.
How to Write an Email for Networking?
Catchy Subject Lines
Come up with funky subject lines that we use in our daily conversations without sounding unprofessional. The subject must be interesting enough to catch the receiver’s attention.
Common subject lines:
- Buy you a coffee?
- 5 mins for a fan?
- Inspired (profession) needs help
- Can you help?
- Fellow (industry name) professional needs your advice
- (Common friend’s name) suggests we meet
- (Common friend’s name)’s friend seeking advice
- We need to talk.
A Quick Intro
Introduce yourself first. It’s rude to ask for favors without telling the reader who you are. So, do that first.
Tell How You Know Them
In the era of catfishing, it’s important to reveal how you heard about the receiver. Therefore, it’s utterly important to tell the person how you came to know about them and from where.
Mention Their Achievements
You don’t have to write the CV in the email. Instead, just mention one or two greatest achievements. This way, the receiver will feel you’re genuinely interested, and you admire them.
Mention Your Motif
When sending outreach emails, try to be straightforward about what you want. Cold networking emails are all about asking for help from a fellow professional or building rapport, and that’s okay.
The reader of the email knows how networking works, so tell them politely that you need their help.
Best Networking Email Templates
To Connect for the First Time
Email for Networking with Business Owners
SUBJECT: Buy you a coffee?
Hi (Receiver’s name),
I am (your name). I started a company (a number) months/years back called (your company’s name) that manufactures/collects and sells/distributes (the product) in (your location). I am still in my learning phase, as I am relatively new to the (product) business.
I came across your (profile/company) in (magazine/podcast/seminar). I am sure you are an expert as you have successfully run (company). I would love to buy you coffee sometime soon.
Lately, I have been reading about (topic), and I think you can use it in your business, and in exchange, you can tell me about the “do’s” and “don’ts” of this industry.
Let me know when you’re free. I’d appreciate the chance to ask questions.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
(Your name)
Email for Networking with Solopreneurs
SUBJECT: Your advice can make my career path.
Hi (Receiver’s name),
I am (your name). I am a (designation) at (company). I am still in my learning phase, as I am relatively new to this profession.
I came across your (profile/company) in (magazine/podcast/seminar). I heard great things about you from my co-workers too.
I know you are an expert as you have (mention an achievement). I was wondering if you’d be able to advise me on how to get started.
Especially (a specific question)?
Let’s grab a cup of coffee when you’re free. I’d appreciate the chance to ask questions.
Thanks again,
(Your name)
Follow Up Networking Email
SUBJECT: Keep in touch
Hi (Receiver’s name),
It was a pleasure meeting you at (place/event) and learning about (topic). After our conversation, I found the attached (video/article) about (topic) when researching. I thought you'd like it too.
I look forward to being in touch. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you want to.
Thanks again,
(Your name)
Introduction Email for Networking with a Friend of a Friend
SUBJECT: (Name of the friend) suggests we talk
Hi (Receiver’s name),
I am (your name), and I am (name)’s friend. I am a (designation) at (company). I am still in my learning phase, as I am new to this profession.
I heard great things about you from (name). I saw your (work) on (platform), and I must say I am impressed.
I know you are an expert as you have (mention an achievement). I was wondering if you’d be able to advise me on how to get started.
Especially, (a specific question)?
Let’s grab a cup of coffee when you’re free. I’d appreciate the chance to ask questions.
Thanks again,
(Your name)
Networking Message for an Informational Interview
SUBJECT: 5 mins for a fan?
Hi (Receiver’s name),
I am (name), (designation) at (company). I came across your (work) on (platform), and I admired them instantly.
I would love to buy you a cup of coffee and ask a few questions about your exceptional work/journey so far.
I understand you’re a busy person, so I can pass along the questions via email or schedule a video chat if that’s convenient for you.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks again,
(Your name)
DOs & DON’Ts When Networking by Email
[DOs]
- Begin with introductory emails
- Use polite words
- Keep it short
- Mention how you can benefit them (even if by buying a cup of coffee)
- Always reveal how you learned about them (from webinars/magazine/podcasts)
- Tell what you like about them
- Write follow-up email
[DON’Ts]
- Don’t use words like “network” or “networking”
- Never ask them to connect you with the “big players.”
- Don’t ask them to do “something” on your behalf
- Don’t bombard them with questions when emailing for an informational interview
How Automation Makes Networking Easier?
- Time-saving: Manually writing personalized emails for networking can be tiresome. Automation tools can send bulk emails making your job easier.
- Gathers Info: Besides making a list of email addresses, these tools can also gather (displayed) information from LinkedIn and other platforms about potential networks to personalize the emails.
- Ensures deliverability: Automation software ensures your emails reach your prospects' inboxes with high-deliverability IPs. This way, your emails don’t end up in the spam folders.
- Well-written email body: While email writing isn’t rocket science, it is also not that easier. Some people find it difficult to find the right words. In such cases, AI-based tools can write perfect emails for you.
- Automate email follow-ups: Sending an email isn’t enough to network with someone. You have to keep up with the follow-up email as well. AI-based cold emailing tool can create automated email follow-ups, which is very important to show how interested you are in networking with that person.
Conclusion
Remember that everybody was a beginner at some point. Don’t hesitate to write an email for networking intentions. It’s okay to ask for help.
Try using automation tools like Smartlead.ai. It will surely make your job easier and more efficient.
Just keep in mind the dos and don’ts, and you will soon be dining with your professional stars.
FAQs
What should be in a networking email?
A networking message should clearly say who you are, how you know the receiver, and what you want from them.
To ensure that your words are polite, you can also write a sentence or two on what you like about their work.
When should you send a networking email?
You should send mail for networking after meeting potential people at events and seminars. However, you can still write to them if you haven’t met them yet.
Try writing these emails during working hours so they don’t remain unread.
What are effective email subject lines for networking outreach?
Effective email subject lines for networking outreach are personalized, clear, and direct. They should capture attention and inspire action. Examples include:
- "Hey [name], I'd like to introduce myself"
- "Looking to learn more about [a specific and relevant topic]"
- "Hi [Recipient's Name], This Is [Your Name]"
- "Met you at [event name]"
- "Referred by [Mutual Contact Name] to discuss [Topic]"
- "Hey [name], just following up on our [call/meeting] the other day"
How do you craft a compelling networking email?
To craft a compelling networking email, start with a captivating subject line. The body of the email should be concise, respectful, and professional. Clearly state your purpose for reaching out and how you can potentially add value to the recipient. Personalize the email by mentioning any shared connections or mutual interests.
Can you provide examples of successful networking email templates?
Certainly, here's an example of a networking email template:
Subject Line: "Hello [Name], [Your Name] from [Event/Connection] here"
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. We met at [Event/Connection] and I was really intrigued by our conversation about [Topic].
I am currently exploring opportunities in [Industry/Area of Interest] and thought it would be great to connect and possibly get your insights on [Specific Topic/Question].
Would you be available for a brief call or meeting? I'm flexible with time and can adjust to your schedule.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your Name]
What is the importance of a follow-up in networking emails?
Following up is crucial in networking emails as it shows your continued interest and commitment. It also keeps the conversation going and strengthens your connection with the recipient.
How do you write a follow-up email for networking purposes?
When writing a follow-up email, remind the recipient of your previous interaction, express gratitude for their time, and reiterate the purpose of your initial contact. Be sure to maintain a professional and respectful tone.
Are there specific templates for networking introductions?
Yes, here's an example of a networking introduction email:
Subject: "Introduction: [Your Name] and [Recipient’s Name]"
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name] and I work at/am a student at [Company/School]. I came across your profile on [Platform/Event] and was very impressed by your work in [Their Area of Expertise].
I am currently [Your Situation/Goal], and I believe your insight could be incredibly helpful. Would you be open to a brief chat or meeting at your convenience?
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to potentially speaking with you.
Best,
[Your Name]
Can you share an email template suitable for networking events?
Subject: "Great meeting you at [Event Name], [Recipient’s Name]"
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I enjoyed our conversation at [Event Name] about [Topic]. Your insights on [Specific Topic] were particularly interesting.
I would love to continue our discussion and learn more about your work at [Their Company/Position]. Would you have some time in the coming weeks for a brief chat or coffee?
Looking forward to connecting further.
Best,
[Your Name]
What should be included in a sample networking email?
A sample networking email should include a clear subject line, a polite greeting, an introduction of yourself, a reminder of where you met or how you know each other, the purpose of your email, a call-to-action (like asking for a meeting or phone call), and a professional closing.
How do you structure an introduction email for networking effectively?
An effective networking introduction email should start with a compelling subject line followed by a polite greeting. Next, provide a brief introduction of yourself and clearly state the reason for your email. Include a call-to-action, such as requesting a meeting or phone call, and close the email professionally.
What are the key elements to consider when sending a networking email?
Key elements to consider when sending a networking email include a clear and engaging subject line, personalized content, a respectful and professional tone, a clear purpose or request, and a professional closing. It's also important to proofread your email for any grammatical errors or typos.
Author’s Details
Rajnish Das
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