How To Write Networking Emails That Get Opened

Building strong relationships is an essential part of your career, but they don't always happen organically. As with any other aspect of your career, creating close and meaningful connections takes time and work.

And every new relationship has to start with an introduction.

There are lots of ways you can meet new people and expand your network in a professional capacity. For example, attending industry events, through your current job, or online using networking sites like LinkedIn.

But how do you go about turning these brief encounters into solid working relationships?

Well, the best place to start is with an introductory email. But it can be tricky to know how to word this correctly. Especially when you’re targeting other busy professionals. After all, you’ve probably sent a few emails straight to your junk folder in your time.

However, there is a way around this. Here’s how to write networking emails that get opened.

Do your research on the recipient

First and foremost, you need to do as much research on the recipient as possible before you even consider sending that email. You need to be able to prove to them that you’re reaching out for a valid reason, that you can add value, and that you have something in common. If you don’t know enough about them or their current position, that is going to be much harder.

So before you begin, carefully check out their online presence using tools like LinkedIn and their company website to ensure you know who you’re conversing with.

That way, when you come to write the email, you can create something that is engaging are more likely to get opened. You also increase your chances of getting a response as you prove to the recipient that you’ve done your research and have something to offer them.

Create a captivating subject line

Subject lines can make or break an email.

Think about it; this will be the first thing your recipient reads and will determine whether they choose to open the email at all, let alone read it. Therefore, you need to create a compelling subject line that is going to implore them to click on it.

This can be tricky if you don’t have much experience with email marketing or networking. However, there are some simple steps you can take for success.

You must ensure that your subject line is short and attention-grabbing, ideally around three to five words that will immediately garner their interest. It’s also important to make these personal, for example ‘nice to meet you, {their name}’ or ‘following up from {event name}’.

Remember, you don’t want your subject line to get cut off in the preview, so keep it as concise and engaging as possible. This will increase the chances of them opening your email in the first place.

Keep your introduction concise

OK, so the subject line has got you through the door, and they’ve opened you’re email; you don’t want them immediately sending it to junk because they lose interest.

Therefore, it’s not just your subject line that needs to be short and sweet. In the body of the email, you need to give a quick introduction that gets straight to the point. At this stage, you should briefly state who you are and where you work and clarify to them why you’re reaching out.

Although you might have lots you want to talk to them about, save this for a follow-up call or meeting. Everyone is busy, and you don’t want to immediately put them off by jumping in with huge rambling paragraphs.

Mention common ground

Although your email shouldn’t be too long, you should take this opportunity to mention some of the things you have in common aside from your field of work. For example, did you attend the same college, or are you from the same hometown? This increases your chances of them replying and, once again, shows you did your research.

You could also take this chance to complement any of their impressive work, especially if they were part of a project you particularly enjoyed or admired.

Let’s caveat this: don’t be creepy or come across as if you’re brown-nosing. Make sure you are always genuine and the tone is professional but conversational.

End with a strong CTA

Finally, you need to make sure you end your email with a strong CTA (call to action) that will encourage them to get in touch. This might be asking them to look at your resume or arrange to meet for a coffee, but whatever the case may be, ensure you provide them with your preferred contact details in the email.

By following the steps above, you will increase the chances of a potential connection, not just opening your email but following up on it too.