Whether you’re looking to grow your business, learn more about your industry, or expand your professional contacts, networking is incredibly useful. Unfortunately, it can often feel pretty awkward, especially when you’re reaching out to people you’ve never met or have only spoken to briefly.
However, sending a cold email doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, reaching out to relative strangers and forging new connections is easier than you think. You just need to learn how to ask for things the right way. To help you take that first step, we’ve put together some helpful tips and templates so that you’ll have no trouble becoming a networking pro.
Best practices for networking emails
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Do your research.
You’re more likely to get a response if your recipient believes you’re interested in them specifically. Find them on LinkedIn or other social media and customize your email so that it doesn’t look like a template.
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Keep it short.
You’re asking a stranger to take time out of their busy day for you. Don’t offer information you could provide later on. Ideally, you should aim for 100 words or less.
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Be specific.
They’ll want to know how you found them, why you’re interested in them, and the reason you’re reaching out.
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Offer social proof.
If you know someone in their social circle, tell them who. If you’re already in the industry and might be of value, let them know how.
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Write a great subject line.
According to research, 33% of email recipients open emails based on this factor alone. This is a great place to mention who referred you or why you’re writing.
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Make it easy to say “yes.”
When you ask for something, make it small and specific. Avoid offering multiple ways they might help.
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Follow-up.
Your message can inadvertently fall to the bottom of their inbox. If you’re waiting to hear back, follow up five days later. Then, try again one week later. Still no response? Move on.
Email templates
1. A person you met in real life
Hi [Name],
It was great meeting you [date] at [event]. I enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. [If there was a particular point that interested you, mention it.] Recently, I found this article about [relevant topic]. I thought you’d find it interesting, so I figured I’d pass it along. [article title/link]
Feel free to reach out if you ever want to bounce around more ideas about [topic]. I’d love to grab a coffee some time! Looking forward to keeping in touch.
Best,
[Your name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [LinkedIn] | [Website]
2. A friend of a friend
Hi [Name],
My name is [your name]. Our mutual friend, [friend’s name], suggested I reach out because we share [interest/experience] in [topic/industry]. They thought you’d be a great person for me to get to know.
I’m just reaching out to introduce myself. If you’re willing and available to meet up, I’d love to take you to coffee sometime to learn more about [specific area you’d like to ask about].
Looking forward to connecting soon.
Best,
[Your name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [LinkedIn] | [Website]
3. A person you admire
Hi [Name],
My name is [your name] and I work as [your title] at [company]. I became familiar with your work when [how you found this person]. I admire your [specific aspect of their career or experience], and [your blog post/conference talk/etc.] really inspired me to finally get in touch.
I just wanted to reach out to introduce myself. If you’re open to it, I’d love to [take you to coffee/schedule a 10-minute call/connect on LinkedIn] and learn more about [their career/experience].
I hope you’re having a great week. Looking forward to keeping in touch.
Best,
[Your name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [LinkedIn] | [Website]
4. An ex-coworker
Hi [Name],
How are you? I hope that all’s well and that you’re enjoying life at [company]. Recently I saw an article about [industry/hobby/career/side job] and it reminded me of you. [Explain why.] I hope we have a chance to catch up soon!
Best,
[Your name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [LinkedIn] | [Website]
5. A person you’d like to ask for an informational interview
Hi [Name],
My name is [your name] and I work as [your title] at [company]. I’m reaching out because [they’re working in a company or industry that interests you/their career trajectory is inspiring/you’re changing careers].
If you’re willing and available, I’d love to schedule a brief phone call [or coffee in-person] to discuss [your role/your experience]. I’m particularly interested in [specific area you’d like to ask about, so they know what to prepare].
Do you have some time in the next two weeks to connect? I’m available [provide specific blocks of time, like 9am – 2pm CST, Monday through Thursday].
Just 15 minutes of your time would be invaluable and greatly appreciated. I realize that your schedule probably very busy. I’d be glad to send you my questions via email if that would be easier for you.
Looking forward to your response.
Best,
[Your name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [LinkedIn] | [Website]