Forget awkward small talk and unproductive networking events. Email is the modern professional’s tool for building meaningful relationships and advancing their career.
This comprehensive guide shares insider tips and templates for writing strategic networking emails that get results. Learn how to craft compelling outreach for new contacts and nurture existing connections. We cover proven formulas for engaging subject lines, email etiquette dos and don’ts, and more.
Whether you want to strengthen your network, seek valuable mentorship, or explore new career opportunities, effective networking emails can open doors. With a balance of personalization and automation, you can build an invaluable network that propels your professional success.
Why Networking Emails Are Critical for Your Career
In the modern business world, networking is no longer just about shaking hands at crowded events or trading business cards. Email has become one of the most powerful networking tools for professionals at any stage of their career. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned expert, using email to build strategic relationships can pay huge dividends.
Here are six key reasons why mastering networking emails should be high on your priority list:
Build New Relationships and Expand Your Network
Email makes networking efficient, scalable, and trackable. With some effort, you can connect with dozens of professionals at companies you admire in the time it would take to have a single in-person meeting.
Gone are the days when networking meant chance meetings at generic business mixers. Today, you can do targeted outreach to your dream companies and find employees who align with your interests.
The key is personalization. With email, you can research someone’s background, company, and interests beforehand. Then you can craft customized messages, posing thoughtful questions or commenting on their work.
This shows you did your homework, establishes common ground, and makes your outreach more likely to spark a meaningful connection. When done right, most people will be glad to engage. After a few quality interactions, suggest moving the conversation to LinkedIn to further develop the relationship.
Slowly but surely, you’ll turn cold outreach into warm conversations with dozens of new contacts. Skip the small talk and dive right into discussing industry trends, career growth opportunities, or your shared passions. The more niche the connection, the more valuable the relationship.
Over time, consistently nurturing your network through periodic check-ins will become one of your most valuable assets. You’ll have a roster of insiders who can offer advice, make introductions, or collaborate on projects.
Strengthen Existing Connections
It’s easy to let existing relationships stagnate, especially once you progress in your career. Using email to maintain and strengthen your current network is just as important as building new connections.
Schedule periodic messages to catch up with old colleagues, mentors, and friends from past jobs or educational programs. Simple notes congratulating them on accomplishments or asking thoughtful questions show you still value the relationship.
Email also creates more chances for substantive interactions. It may be weeks or months between in-person meetups, but you can exchange ideas, articles, or advice over email regularly. Keeping in loose touch prevents you from having to fully restart relationships down the road.
Solicit feedback from your closest contacts by email as well. Ask them to review your latest presentation deck, writing samples, or personal website. Their insights can help you improve and further your career ambitions.
Seek Career Advice and Mentorship
Many professionals are willing to provide occasional career guidance but don’t necessarily have bandwidth for recurring mentorship meetings. This is where email excels.
By email, you can seek input on pivotal career decisions or challenges on your schedule. Short notes with specific questions are usually welcomed, even by senior leaders.
For example, if you’re considering changing industries, briefly explain your situation and ask if they have any wisdom to offer from their career path. Or if you’re prepping for a big interview, you could ask them to share their advice on how to ace it.
People generally enjoy being viewed as experts. When you seek career advice by email, frame the ask in terms of tapping into their unique experience versus asking them to solve your problems.
You can also develop mentor relationships primarily over email. After establishing some initial rapport, propose setting up a recurring cadence for check-ins. Include an agenda with 2-3 discussion topics to make meetings more productive.
Taking minutes and sharing them back will help capture takeaways all in writing. Over time, these email exchanges will become invaluable records of your career progression.
Learn Insider Information About Companies and Industries
Research only gets you so far. To truly understand a company’s culture, challenges, and opportunities, you need an insider perspective. Networking emails help you connect directly with the employees who have this valuable tacit knowledge.
Whether you aspire to work at a company someday or are evaluating potential vendors, networking can provide unique insights. Avoid asking for sensitive information of course. But many professionals are happy to share high-level observations, advice, and even referrals after building some rapport.
For example, if you hope to work at a hot startup someday, ask employees about the interview process, required skills, and what they enjoy most about their roles. Their candid thoughts will help you tailor your resume, prepare for interviews, and evaluate company fit.
Similarly, networking with employees at vendors, partners, or competitors can uncover key differentiators between the organizations. This allows you to make smarter decisions when evaluating options and charting your career path.
Increase Visibility of Your Personal Brand
Who you know matters just as much as what you know. A robust professional network acts as a megaphone, increasing the visibility of your personal brand.
When you consistently share quality insights via email, you organically build authority and goodwill. As you become a trusted resource, your contacts will be more likely to share your articles, recommend you for projects, and refer new connections.
Outbound networking and inbound referrals go hand in hand. Nurturing relationships leads to introductions, which further expands your sphere of influence. Each new contact extends the reach of your personal brand.
This network effect can work wonders for your career. You gain access to opportunities that otherwise may never have been on your radar. Recruiters also take interest when you seem connected to everyone worth knowing in your field.
Just be sure to pay it forward and avoid blatant self-promotion. Use your growing network for mutual benefit, not just personal gain.
Get Introduced to New Opportunities
As you nurture relationships with key decision-makers and industry insiders, prime opportunities will arise. Whether it’s a new job, freelance gig, media interview, or lucrative partnership, people in your network will keep you in mind.
Even if nothing specific is available, they can make introductions or provide referrals. For example, an email catching up with an old colleague may lead them to connect you to someone hiring for your dream job.
But you need a robust network to increase these serendipitous encounters. Rekindling old relationships and meeting new contacts expands the possibilities. Over time, you’ll become a node, able to tap into multiple social clusters for intel and opportunities.
When used strategically, networking emails plant seeds that can lead to career changing outcomes down the road. Something as small as a quick congrats note when a contact gets promoted can pay dividends months or years later.
Lay the groundwork now and your future self will thank you. Opportunities abound within your extended network—you just need to put in the work to foster and sustain the relationships. Mastering networking emails is step one to tap into this virtual gold mine at your fingertips.
How to Craft the Perfect Networking Email
Networking emails require thought and finesse. Blanket messages sent to dozens of strangers will likely be ignored or marked as spam. But take the time to craft personalized, strategic emails and you’ll see dramatically higher response rates.
Follow these proven tips when reaching out to new contacts or connecting with your existing network via email:
Research the Recipient Beforehand
Thanks to LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google, learning about someone before contacting them is easier than ever. Do your homework – their background will inform how you personalize your outreach.
For new contacts, review their LinkedIn profile carefully. What companies and roles have they had? Where did they go to school? What skills, interests, and volunteering do they list? Look for any shared connections.
Search for them online as well. Many professionals have personal websites, blogs, or are quoted in articles. Look for any media interviews, conference presentations, or published reports. What topics do they discuss? What are their areas of expertise?
Piece together a holistic view of who this person is, their experience, and what they care about. Then reference one or two specific details in your email to immediately grab their attention.
For existing contacts, quickly review your last few interactions. Congratulate them on any recent news. Ask thoughtful follow-up questions based on your last conversation. Show you remember the relationship.
Personalize the Subject Line
As with any cold outreach, an engaging subject line is crucial. Generic lines like “networking opportunity” will likely end up in the trash folder.
Include the recipient’s name and company. Mention any affiliations you have in common. Refer to a recent achievement or news headline regarding their company.
If you’re seeking specific advice, summarize it. Intriguing subject lines entice busy professionals to open and read your note.
A few examples:
- John Smith – quick LinkedIn question
- Mary Johnson – advice for an aspiring product manager?
- Congrats on the Acme Inc acquisition!
- catching up with a fellow Wake Forest alum
- Coffee on me?
Aim for clarity and personalization. Save creativity for the body of your email.
Establish Common Ground
When reaching out cold, give the recipient context on who you are and why you want to connect. Explain where you found them, what piqued your interest, and what you have in common.
If contacting someone you already know, refresh their memory on where you met or worked together. Give a brief personal update and highlight recent shared connections or experiences.
Giving context lays the groundwork for a productive exchange. Absent any background, expect minimal engagement or non-replies.
Once you provide framing, pose an open-ended question or make a thoughtful observation about their work. Give them an organic reason to respond based on mutual interests or experiences.
Make It About Them, Not You
We all love talking about ourselves. Use that to your advantage in networking emails. Avoid lengthy intros about your own accomplishments – keep the focus on their experiences.
Ask thoughtful questions. Compliment their expertise. Share an article or idea you think they’d appreciate.
The goal is to add value for your recipient, not promote yourself. Give them a reason to hit reply. Flattery will get you everywhere if conveyed sincerely versus just to get something.
In later exchanges once you’ve established a rapport, you can seek advice related to your own career or accomplishments. But lead with questions about them first.
Be Clear About Your Purpose
Don’t let overly casual language obscure your purpose for connecting. After personalizing your note, directly state why you are reaching out.
If you want to learn more about their company, say that. If you are seeking a mentor in their field, explain why you think they’d be great to learn from.
If asking for an introduction to someone in their network, be transparent. Hints often miss the mark. Whatever your reason, politely communicate it upfront.
Clarity gives the recipient options. They can decline your request, redirect you to someone else, or agree to connect. Leaving things ambiguous just wastes everyone’s time.
Close with a Specific Call to Action
Wrap up your email by proposing next steps. Ask if they’d be open to a 15-minute phone call. Offer to send over a few questions via email if they prefer. Suggest meeting for coffee sometime in the coming weeks.
Give them easy ways to reply with a “yes” or move the discussion forward. Avoid leaving it fully open-ended. People are more likely to engage when you provide concrete options versus just saying “let me know.”
Networking is a long game. Don’t ask for too much too fast. Start with a small, low-stakes request, ideally tied to a compliment. Something like: “I’d love to hear your thoughts on my resume. Would you have 10 minutes next week to review a draft over email?”
Once they agree, continue nurturing the relationship from there.
Key Networking Email Etiquette Tips
Beyond the structural elements above, applying core etiquette principles will further improve your networking emails.
Do:
- Use a professional signature: Include your full name, company, contact info, and links to your website, LinkedIn, etc. Signatures lend credibility.
- Proofread carefully: Grammar and spelling errors undermine your professionalism. Re-read before sending.
- Express gratitude: Thank them for their time and advice. Acknowledge if they refer you to someone or make an introduction.
- Stay patient: Recognize busy people may not respond instantly. Follow up tactfully if needed.
Don’t:
- Get too casual: Stay professional in tone, even with existing contacts. Save humor and inside jokes for in-person meetings.
- Ask for too much: Stick to simple, small favors at first. As the relationship develops, then make bigger requests.
- Follow up excessively: If they don’t respond after 2-3 outreach attempts, politely move on for now.
- Go dark: Reply promptly when they engage and keep your end of the relationship strong.
Mastering these elements will get your networking emails opened, read, and acted upon. Recipients will appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness you put in. With consistency, you’ll build fruitful connections that bolster your career.
Email Templates and Examples by Scenario
Let’s walk through real networking email templates and examples you can use for different situations and relationship types.
These samples provide language you can easily adapt for your specific context and recipients. Follow the structure and tone as a model for crafting effective personalized outreach.
Follow-Up Emails After Meeting Someone New
Meeting someone new at an event, conference, or social gathering offers a prime opportunity for follow-up. Reference your conversation and propose keeping the dialogue going.
Thank them for their time
Always open with gratitude. Thank them for chatting, even briefly. Show you valued the interaction.
“It was wonderful getting the chance to meet you at [event name] last night.”
Mention something specific you discussed
Referencing something unique you talked about demonstrates genuine interest versus a generic follow-up.
“I really enjoyed hearing about your experiences getting started with podcasting.”
Suggest meeting up again or keeping in touch
End by proposing you continue the conversation. Offer to meet in-person or connect via phone or email.
“If you’re open to meeting up sometime in the next few weeks, I’d love to buy you a coffee and learn more.”
Sample Follow-Up Email Template
Subject: Great chatting at [event name]!
Hi [name],
It was wonderful getting the chance to meet you at [event name] last night. I really enjoyed hearing about your experiences getting started with podcasting – I may just have to start brainstorming show ideas of my own!
If you’re open to meeting up sometime in the next few weeks, I’d love to buy you a coffee and learn more about your podcasting journey. Let me know if you have availability in the coming weeks.
Thanks again for the great conversation. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Best,
[Your name]
Following Up After Events or Conferences
Don’t let promising connections made at conferences fade away once the event ends. Proactively reach out to reflect on your meeting and continue the dialogue.
Thank them for a great conversation
Express gratitude for their time and insight shared, which made the event more worthwhile.
“I wanted to thank you for taking the time to chat with me at the Social Media Marketing Conference last week.”
Recap key points discussed
Briefly recount one or two top topics covered to jog their memory of your conversation.
“I really enjoyed our discussion around leveraging influencers versus paid social ads.”
Propose meeting for coffee or lunch
Suggest following up in person over coffee or lunch to go deeper on key issues covered.
“Would you have time to meet up for lunch in the next couple of weeks? I’d love to talk more about your experiences with TikTok.”
Sample Follow-Up Email Template
Subject: Following up from [Conference Name]
Hi [name],
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to chat with me at the Social Media Marketing Conference last week. I really enjoyed our discussion around leveraging influencers versus paid social ads.
Would you have time to meet up for lunch in the next couple of weeks? I’d love to talk more about your experiences with TikTok and any other conference takeaways you had.
Let me know if you have availability coming up. Looking forward to seeing you again!
Best,
[Your name]
Seeking Advice From an Industry Expert
Industry experts and thought leaders can provide invaluable career advice. Be judicious in asking for a little bit of their time and wisdom.
Compliment their work and expertise
Open by highlighting your admiration for their accomplishments, writing, or leadership.
“As an avid reader of your column in Modern Marketer, I’ve long admired your expertise in all things digital marketing.”
Explain you’re seeking to learn from them
Articulate you are looking to learn from their experiences to further your own career growth and development.
“Currently, I am exploring search engine optimization and would love any advice you could offer from your time leading SEO at Acme Agency.”
Ask if they’d be open to a quick phone call
Request just a few minutes of their time for a phone call to seek their guidance. Offer to send questions over email if easier.
“Would you have 10-15 minutes to hop on a quick call sometime next week? I have a few questions I would greatly appreciate picking your brain on.”
Sample Advice Request Email Template
Subject: Seeking SEO guidance
Hi [name],
As an avid reader of your column in Modern Marketer, I’ve long admired your expertise in all things digital marketing. Currently, I am exploring search engine optimization and would love any advice you could offer from your time leading SEO at Acme Agency.
Would you have 10-15 minutes to hop on a quick call sometime next week? I have a few questions I would greatly appreciate picking your brain on. I’m also happy to send a few questions over email if that’s easier for you.
I sincerely appreciate you considering sharing your insights. Please let me know if you have any availability!
Best,
[Your name]
Reconnecting With Old Contacts
Rekindling dormant connections preserves relationships you’ve invested in over the years. A quick check-in email gets you back on their radar.
Reference the last time you spoke
Jog their memory by pointing out when you last connected, even if years ago.
“Hope you’ve been well! It’s been a couple of years since we last touched base.”
Congratulate them on recent news
Comment on any updates you noticed about their career or life on social media.
“I saw on LinkedIn that you recently joined Acme Co. Congrats on the exciting move!”
Ask to meet up and catch up
Propose meeting for coffee or lunch to reconnect and catch each other up in person.
“We should meet up for coffee soon so we can catch up on the last few years! Let me know if you have any availability in the next month or so.”
Sample Reconnection Email Template
Subject: Long time no chat!
Hi Vicky,
Hope you’ve been well! It’s been a couple of years since we last touched base.
I saw on LinkedIn that you recently joined Acme Co. Congrats on the exciting move! We should meet up for coffee soon so we can catch up on the last few years! Let me know if you have any availability in the next month or so.
Look forward to seeing you again and reminiscing about our college days over coffee. Wishing you the best!
Warmly,
[Your name]
Introducing Two People in Your Network
Connecting contacts who would mutually benefit from knowing one another strengthens your reputation as a network facilitator.
Explain how you know both parties
Provide context upfront on how you know each person separately.
“We met at last year’s SXSW conference and really hit it off.”
Summarize their backgrounds and experience
Succinctly convey what each brings to the table professionally and why they should connect.
“Michelle leads branding for consumer startups. Alan has deep retail rollout expertise from his time atXYZ Stores.”
Express you think they’d benefit from connecting
Share why you think they’d derive value from knowing one another, either personally or professionally.
“With your respective backgrounds, I thought you both could immensely benefit from connecting and sharing insights.”
Sample Introduction Email Template
Subject: Connecting you with [name]
Hi Michelle,
I wanted to introduce you to my good friend Alan Smith. We met at last year’s SXSW conference and really hit it off.
Michelle leads branding for consumer startups. Alan has deep retail rollout expertise from his time at XYZ Stores. With your respective backgrounds, I thought you both could immensely benefit from connecting and sharing insights.
I’ll let you take it from here but wanted to put two talented marketers I admire in touch!
Best,
[Your name]
Outreach When Job Hunting
When used strategically, networking emails during a job search can uncover opportunities not publicly posted. Be judicious in seeking advice and referrals once connections are established.
Explain your background and interest in their company
Briefly convey your experience and passion for the company or role.
“With 5+ years in mobile analytics, I am extremely interested in Company X and the data science work you are doing.”
Ask for a quick informational interview
Request 15-30 minutes of their time for an informational interview to learn more about the company and their insights on the role.
“I would love to learn more about your experiences at Company X. Would you have time for a 15 minute coffee chat or phone call next week?”
Offer to send over your resume
Let them know you’d be happy to share your resume in advance to provide more background on your qualifications.
“Please let me know if it would be helpful for me to forward you my resume in advance.”
Sample Job Hunting Outreach Email
Subject: Company X insights appreciated
Hi Joan,
With 5+ years in mobile analytics, I am extremely interested in Company X and the data science work you are doing. I would love to learn more about your experiences at Company X. Would you have time for a 15 minute coffee chat or phone call next week?
Please let me know if it would be helpful for me to forward you my resume in advance. I sincerely appreciate any insights you can offer as I explore new opportunities in the field.
Best,
[Your name]
Put These Networking Email Templates to Work
There you have it – real-world networking email templates customizable for nearly any scenario or relationship type.
Follow the structure and tone of these examples to craft your own effective outreach. Personalize each message while applying core best practices.
With practice, customizing networking emails for your specific context will become second nature. You’ll become a networking pro, opening doors and accelerating your career through the power of email.
Email Etiquette – Dos and Don’ts
Beyond the structure and content of your networking emails, following proper etiquette leaves recipients with a positive impression.
Apply these dos and don’ts to reinforce your professionalism and continue conversations productively.
Do
Proofread for typos and errors
With so many emails sent via phones, typos sadly run rampant. But simple mistakes undercut your message, especially with new contacts trying to evaluate you.
Save drafts and come back with fresh eyes to double check for errors. Use spell check but don’t rely on it fully. Read every email aloud before hitting send.
Catching minor issues like inconsistent capitalization or a duplicated word can make a big difference. It shows recipients you value their time and pay attention to details.
Use a professional email signature
An email signature lends credibility and context. Include your full name, company, contact info, and links to any professional profiles like LinkedIn.
Keep it succinct – avoid long titles or imposing multi-colored graphics.
Signatures also allow recipients to easily save your contact details or check you out online if interested to connect further.
Express gratitude and appreciation
Manners matter, even in brief digital interactions. Open with a thank you for their time responding to you. If they make an introduction or provide advice, acknowledge their effort.
When the dialogue concludes, send a thank you note. Expressing genuine gratitude will distinguish you from the many requesters who ghost after getting what they need.
Graciousness encourages ongoing engagement. Costs you nothing but pays dividends.
Don’t
Ask for too much too soon
Especially with new contacts, take it slowly. Don’t ask for referrals or in-person meetings right away.
Start with a small, low-risk request – even just asking for their perspective or feedback on an idea. Once they respond, continue building the relationship before making bigger asks.
You’ll get further by steadily nurturing connections versus trying to immediately extract value from them.
Use overly casual language
Resist the temptation to use the same casual tone as you would with close contacts. Maintain a polished, professional tone until you get to know them better.
Avoid overusing exclamation points, emojis, slang, or inside jokes. This comes across as unprofessional or even disingenuous.
You don’t need to be overly formal either. Find the right balance showing them you’re friendly but respect their time.
Forget to follow up after they reply
Networking is a two-way street. Don’t reach out asking for favors then disappear once you get a response.
Promptly reply back thanking them for connecting or providing the information you requested. Ask related follow-up questions to keep the dialogue flowing.
If they make introductions or give you time out of their day, find appropriate ways to express thanks or reciprocate. Continually nurture the relationship versus treating it as transactional.
The Golden Rule of Email Etiquette
As with most areas of life, applying the golden rule serves you well: “treat others as you want to be treated”.
Approach networking emails as you would like to receive them. Be patient, polite, and stay professional. Express appreciation for any time or advice given.
Recipients will remember thoughtful outreach when future opportunities arise to collaborate or pay it forward. Follow these etiquette tips to develop relationships that support your career for years to come.
Subject Line Formulas and Examples
Crafting compelling subject lines is a skill in itself. For networking emails, you want subject lines that are personalized yet clear, intriguing yet professional.
Follow these formulas and examples to create subject lines that get your emails opened and read.
[Your Name] + [Context]
Introducing yourself upfront provides helpful context on who the email is from. Pairing your name with a reference to where you met or what you’re writing about tells the recipient exactly what to expect.
Examples:
- Michelle Davis – X Corp Conference Follow Up
- Jack Anderson – Seeking Product Management Advice
- Samantha Rhodes – Coffee with a Fellow Duke Alum?
[Mutual Connection] Suggested We Connect
Name dropping the person who referred you or a shared contact you have in common gives your outreach more credibility.
This signals you’re not just a random salesperson cold contacting them, but someone reputable in their network.
Examples:
- Ashley Evans Suggested We Connect
- John Smith Referral – Request from Michelle Davis
- Ian Ferguson Said We Should Chat
Coffee on Me?
Who doesn’t love a free coffee? This type of casual subject line works well when following up after meeting someone at an event.
It conveys friendliness and shows you want to continue the conversation in a relaxed setting.
Examples:
- Coffee on Me Next Week?
- Let Me Buy You A Coffee!
- Owed a Coffee – When Are You Free?
Following Up Per Our Discussion
For existing contacts, refresh their memory by referring back to your last interaction.
Remind them what you talked about and briefly explain why you’re connecting again.
Examples:
- Quick HR Question Per Our Last Chat
- Following Up on Referral Opportunities We Discussed
- Circling Back Re: Graphic Designers as Discussed
Congrats on [Recent News]!
People love receiving kudos and well wishes. If you noticed a contact had a promotion, new job, or major company announcement, congratulate them!
It makes your reason for reaching out warm rather than the usual request or pitch.
Examples:
- Congrats on the ABC Inc Acquisition!
- Kudos on the Promotion to Senior Manager!
- So Excited for Your Book Launch!
Additional Tactics and Best Practices
Beyond these formulas, here are some additional tips for irresistible networking email subject lines:
- Include first name – Adding just their first name personalizes it
- Use numbers – Subjects with “3 Reasons” or “7 Tips” spark curiosity
- Try urgency – “Time Sensitive Opportunity” conveys importance
- Ask questions – “Got 5 Minutes to Chat?” encourages opening
- Be ultra-specific – Details show highly targeted outreach
Also, remember these core best practices:
- Keep it short – Shoot for under 50 characters
- Omit fluff words – Cut filler like “request”, “follow up”, etc.
- Avoid urgency/salesiness – Stay professional in tone
- Spell name correctly – Double check accuracy
- Don’t overthink it – Clear and simple trumps clever
Test different options and track open rates to determine what resonates best with your recipients. Even small tweaks can make a big difference.
Mastering the art of compelling subject lines takes experimentation. Use these formulas and examples as starting points when crafting your own.
Pro Tip: Follow Up with a New Subject Line
If you don’t receive a reply to an initial outreach, try a follow up with a fresh subject line.
Recipients get hundreds of emails daily. Yours may have gotten lost in the shuffle. Sending a new message with an updated subject line politely brings the request back to their attention.
Some options for follow-up subject lines:
- Following Up Re: [Original Subject]
- Circling Back on [Topic of Original Email]
- Friendly Reminder: [Brief Reason for Your Request]
- Second Request for Advice on [Topic]
Just be sure not to bombard contacts with excessive follow-ups if they continue not to engage. Maximum 2-3 attempts is ideal before concluding your request will likely keep being ignored.
Make Your Subject Lines Stand Out
Emails start with subject lines, so perfecting them pays dividends. Use these examples and formulas as inspiration when creating your own.
A bit of creativity mixed with core best practices will grab recipients’ attention. Paired with a thoughtful, personalized email body, you’ll have the full package for outreach that drives results.
With compelling subject lines and contents, your networking emails will get opened, read, and acted upon more consistently. You’ll garner advice, introductions, and opportunities to further your career or business goals.
Tools and Services for Automating Networking Emails
Crafting personalized, strategic networking emails takes time. Thankfully, tools exist to automate parts of the process so you can be efficient while still nurturing relationships.
Here are 5 top services for streamlining your networking email outreach:
Boomerang
Boomerang is one of the original Gmail productivity plugins. It lets you schedule emails to send at the perfect time and easily follow up if replies aren’t received.
Key features include:
- Email scheduling – Pick the exact date and time for emails to be sent. Great for scheduling reminders to yourself.
- Follow up reminders – If no reply after a period of time, Boomerang will notify you or automatically follow up.
- Templates – Create reusable email templates for common networking outreach.
- Read receipts – See if your email was opened to know if a reply is expected.
Boomerang integrates directly in Gmail for seamless use. The free plan has basic features while paid plans add more advanced functionality.
Mixmax
Mixmax specializes in supercharging your email productivity. It makes following up at scale easy.
Notable features are:
- Email tracking – See when your emails are opened and clicked for better follow up.
- Sequences – Set up automatic email follow up sequences based on reply status.
- Templates – Save and insert templates to personalize at scale.
- Scheduling – Pick the perfect send date and time for each email.
- CRM integrations – Bring in data from your CRM to personalize outreach.
Mixmax offers a free plan for individuals and paid options with team features. It works across both Gmail and Outlook.
Mystrika
Mystrika is the #1 Cold email tool on market that helps you write better emails faster and comes with Email warmup:
- Email Sequence and follow up – Schedule reminders to follow up with contacts.
- Unibox – Manage all sending email ids and campaign responses from one Inbox.
- Read status – Know when your email is opened to prompt next steps.
- Send later – Set the ideal date and time to send your emails.
- Templates – Save common emails as templates for quick customization.
- Email tracking – See full history of email opens, clicks, and replies.
Mailshake
Mailshake brings serious automation power to cold email outreach. Benefits include:
- Email verification – Automatically verify email addresses before sending.
- Sequences – Set up complex sequences that respond based on reply status.
- Templates – Create and customize templates while personalizing with merge tags.
- Follow up reminders – Get notified if recipients don’t reply after a period of time.
- Email tracking – View detailed email analytics to fine tune outreach.
Mailshake offers a free trial and paid plans tailored to sales teams. Integrates with Gmail, Outlook, Salesforce, and more.
Woodpecker
Woodpecker specializes in advanced follow up capabilities like:
-Sequences – Set up multi-step sequences that adapt based on recipient actions.
-Templates – Save email templates with custom merge fields for personalization.
-Reminders – Get reminded to follow up if no reply after certain time period.
-Email parsing – Automatically log emails based on content and data points.
-CRM integrations – Connects with your CRM to sync contact data.
Woodpecker has tailored plans based on volume of emails sent. It offers a Chrome extension plus other platform options.
Key Benefits of Email Automation
Automating elements of your networking emails with these services provides multiple advantages:
Improved consistency – Automated reminders ensure continuous follow up with leads.
Personalization at scale – Merge tags let you customize templates for each recipient quickly.
Deeper relationship tracking – Detailed email metrics help you nurture contacts appropriately.
Time savings – Features like scheduling and templates eliminate manual busywork.
Look for a tool aligned with your needs whether that’s email productivity, complex sequences, or deep integrations with existing software.
The right solution will save you hours while allowing more thoughtful, genuine relationship building. Just be sure to carefully craft the initial templates and keep a human touch.
Pro Tip: Segment Your Outreach Lists
When automating large volumes of outreach, best practice is to group contacts into segments. Tailor your sequences and templates to the specific needs of each segment.
For example, create segments for:
- Existing warm contacts
- Conference connections
- Job search prospects
- Potential business partners
Customize the first emails and follow ups appropriately based on your goals for each segment. This further personalizes at scale.
Automation Enables Relationship Focus
In the modern business landscape, networking at scale is essential. But personalized relationships still drive the best outcomes.
Automating administrative tasks like reminders and follow-ups enables efficiency while preserving quality one-to-one engagement.
With the busywork handled, focus your time solely on thoughtfully nurturing your most important contacts. Advanced email tools give back the gift of time to build strategic relationships.
Take advantage of these technologies so you can network intentionally, not just extensively. A smaller number of meaningful connections beats a generic blast to your entire contact list any day.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Mastering networking emails takes effort but pays dividends for your career. Apply these core principles to guide your journey from outreach novice to expert.
Add Value and Personalize Each Email
Networking is about give and take. When asking for someone’s time and guidance, think about how you can provide value as well.
Do your homework to personalize each email with unique context. Set yourself apart from other generic outreach they receive.
Share an insightful article, compliment their work, or offer your thoughts on an issue that matters to them. Think mutual benefit versus just making asks.
Follow Up Consistently But Not Excessively
Don’t be discouraged if your first email goes unanswered. People are busy and replies aren’t instant. Follow up politely if needed.
But avoid badgering contacts who continue not to engage after 2-3 attempts. Move on and refocus your energy where it’s reciprocated.
With your closest contacts, proactively stay in touch on an ongoing basis. Periodic check-ins preserve relationships even during busy periods.
Leverage Connections to Expand Your Network
Who you know greatly influences who you’ll meet. Never hesitate to ask existing contacts for introductions or referrals to new connections.
This carries so much more weight than cold outreach. And most are happy to provide a warm handoff as their reputation is on the line too.
Leverage your first-degree relationships to expand into new professional clusters and opportunities.
Use Email Templates to Save Time
Crafting customized emails takes thought but you shouldn’t reinvent the wheel each time. Create templates for common scenarios you can tweak.
Save templates for following up after events, seeking expertise, sharing articles, and other cases you’ll encounter repeatedly.
This preserves the personal touch while saving time. You can focus on each relationship versus administrative tasks.
Set Up a Crm or Spreadsheet to Track Outreach
Speaking of administrative tasks, you’ll also want to track your networking outreach in an organized system. This allows you to:
- Log all connections made at events for future follow up.
- Review past conversations before each new outreach.
- Set reminders for follow up if replies aren’t received.
- Record advice received and next steps discussed for future reference.
Basic spreadsheets work but a CRM will provide more automation. Capture relevant information that helps you nurture each relationship.
Network Online and In Person
While email is powerful, in-person events still offer value. Conferences, trade shows, seminars, and meetups help you make face-to-face connections.
Don’t rely solely on virtual interactions. Make time at least monthly to get out and network the traditional way.
At events, focus more on quality conversations versus amassing a huge stack of business cards and shallow small talk.
Set Goals and Track Progress
As with anything in business, you’ll achieve the best results if you’re methodical. Define your networking goals and track quantifiable metrics.
Relevant KPIs could include:
- Number of new contacts added each month
- Email response rate
- Conversations converted to face-to-face meetings
- Advice received that proved useful
- New partnerships or opportunities generated
Analyze what works and what doesn’t. Continually refine your strategies based on data.
Networking well requires dedication but delivers immense upside for your career. Apply these tips to maximize your odds of success. Don’t view it as a chore, but rather an opportunity to help others while enriching your own professional journey.
With a balance of automation and personalization, use email to nurture connections, seek wisdom, and open new doors. Your future self will thank you for the investments you make in networking today.
Summary
Networking is a critical skill that can profoundly impact your career success when done strategically. Key lessons to remember include:
- Networking emails open doors. Email is an efficient way to build relationships, get advice, and access opportunities at scale compared to in-person networking alone.
- Personalize thoughtfully. Take time to craft customized emails that show you did your research on the recipient. Generic outreach is easy to ignore.
- Focus on value for them. Avoid excessive self-promotion. Frame emails around how you can offer insights or connections that might benefit them.
- Follow etiquette principles. Proofread carefully, use professional sign-offs, and express gratitude. Don’t overdo requests or informality.
- Master compelling subject lines. Use engaging yet professional subject lines that grab attention and convey context.
- Automate where possible. Tools like CRMs, email reminders, and templates save time while preserving personalization.
- Track relationships and results. Log your outreach in a CRM and monitor metrics like replies and meetings booked.
- Perfect the templates for your goals. Adapt the email templates and advice provided to your specific networking needs.
The power of relationships cannot be overstated when it comes to advancing your career or business. Adopt these tips to maximize the return from your time invested in thoughtfully nurturing your network.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I follow up if I don’t get a reply?
A reasonable cadence is to follow up once after 3-5 days of no reply. If you still don’t hear back, one last follow up after another 1-2 weeks is fine. Anything beyond that risks becoming a nuisance.
What’s the ideal length for a networking email?
Aim for 3-5 concise paragraphs or around 100-200 words. Avoid giant walls of text. Get to the point quickly while still personalizing.
How long should I wait to reconnect with old contacts?
Every 6 months to a year is reasonable for periodically checking in with your network. Time it around major events like job changes or promotions that give you a natural reason to congratulate them.
Should I send exactly the same email to multiple people?
No, personalize each one. Mention something unique you know about the person or company. Mass blasting generic emails will be seen as spammy.
How do I network if I’m introverted?
Focus on one-on-one email and phone chats versus large networking events. Connect based on shared interests and ask questions to establish rapport. Promote others instead of yourself.
What’s the ideal time to send networking emails?
Early morning (8-10 AM) and post-lunch (1-3 PM) tend to have higher open and reply rates. Avoid evenings or weekends unless you know they check email then.
How do I graciously follow up if I haven’t heard back?
Send a friendly reminder email saying you wanted to check in about your previous request. Provide a brief refresher on who you are and what you were asking.
What’s a graceful way to exit the conversation after receiving a reply?
Thank them for the information or advice provided. Optionally ask if you can reach back out if any related follow up questions come to mind. Then wish them the best.
What’s the #1 networking email mistake to avoid?
Asking for too much too fast before establishing trust and rapport. Take it slowly. Small talk and advice seeking first before big asks.