Email Templates for Successful Networking

Email Templates for Successful Networking It would be great if every email we sent for networking purposes was a success. But in order to properly build a network through writing, you have to know how to write in a certain way. And you have to know “when” to write a certain way. To help make your networking efforts more successful, we offer these email templates below. Plus, we explain when to use these templates.1. When Writing Your Friend’s FriendIt is daring to write a friend of a friend, especially if you do not know the status of your friend’s relationship with that friend. If for some reason they no longer talk, you very well can be associating yourself with a person who is not liked. And as a result, your email will go nowhere. But if you believe writing someone will be beneficial to both of your careers, you should do it. Just remember to be as friendly as possible.Hi [insert name]!I reached out to you because we both know [insert friend’s name] and I saw that you work for [this company]. Recently I have be en working with [our friend] on a project and trying to find new employment in the meantime.When I saw you and I shared work and friend interests, I started to read your posts on LinkedIn. I agree with pretty much everything you write and think we should talk soon! I was wondering if you would be willing to have coffee with us sometime in the near future to discuss some of the things I believe we can accomplish. It would be great for all three of us to get together.Let me know what you think?Best to you,[Your name]2. When Writing an Executive, Mentor, or Business LeaderWhen you are in the position of writing an executive, mentor, or business leader you are most likely writing a person who is extremely busy, important and manages time carefully. Therefore, you cannot be wasting this person’s time. If you are going to write them, do not expect to hear back immediately. And certainly, do not write these busy folks without a purpose. Dear [contact’s name],It is pleasure to write you . I have been following your career, reading your blog, and watching your webinars. I was impressed with [insert interest].Right now, I am working on [this project]. I believe it may be of interest to you. If you have time, I’d love to buy you lunch to discuss. It would be an honor to get your insight or better, get involved. We can also discuss if my project can help [insert project they are working on].Thank you for your time,[Your name]3. When Writing Former ColleaguesYou should always stay in contact with former colleagues, especially in a global workforce. They are a great help when you need to look for a new job, relocating, and most importantly...great references.Also, they can introduce you to colleagues of theirs and keep you in the loop on industry trends while providing you with honest feedback. They are especially helpful if your former colleague gets promoted and needs to do some hiring for a new team! Relationships with former colleagues are the best. After many year s in a career, you will find your former colleagues will be there for you more than any other person, especially if you are constantly helping each other out.Hey [insert name],How have you been! Is life treating you well at [insert company]? I just found an article about [related topic to the former colleague’s job] and thought you might find it useful.I won’t keep you. I know you must be busy. Let’s talk soon!Best always,[insert relatable name you both use for the other; a friendly nickname]4. When Writing Someone You Never MetIn today’s connected world, we all have contacts that we talk to online and never met in real life. People can go decades in a job communicating via email without ever meeting the other person they are talking to. These types of friends cannot be relied on for in-person meetings, but it does not mean you cannot have them in your network.Do your research. Connect with your distant contact on LinkedIn and get a great idea of what interests you both. You can stay fresh in the person’s mind while you both add value to each other’s career and maybe even your lifestyle!Hi [insert name],How is your week going? I thought of you today because a friend of mine lives near you and it just so happens they are interviewing for a job next week at our company! I am reaching out because I thought you both should meet beforehand.My friend works as [insert job] at [insert company]. You both should definitely connect especially if she has an interview.Let me know if you’re interested. I can set up a meeting with you both!Best,[Your name]5. When Writing Someone You Met In-PersonYou went to a conference or an event last week and collected a bunch of names that require some following up! The best part about this is that you had already met them in the same place and were there for the same industry. There is no need to question or discuss if you share a common work interest. You also have the social proof that the person you are writing is a ver y likable human being.So, here is a template for following up!Hi [insert name],It was great to meet you at [insert event name] on [date]. I enjoyed talking about [insert topic] with you! I looked at your LinkedIn profile and saw that you’re currently working on [insert whatever it is you share a common interest in]. This is [the reason why it relates to us both]. Would you like to meet up and grab a coffee to discuss ways we can work together?Please let me know! It was such a pleasure to meet you and I am excited to see we are working on similar projects.Best always,[Your name]Note: When it comes to any template, please remember simply copying and pasting templates makes your writing style look robotic. You can take the templates above and shape them into something you think will be relatable to the people you contact.All of these templates will help you build a stronger network throughout the course of your career!