Four Important Networking Emails—And How To Write Them
“Pulling a good network together takes effort, sincerity and time.”
Alan Collins
Whether you want to stand out in the job market or you want to make a strong impression on a prospect, a well-written email can help you achieve your goal. When you meet someone new, either in person or virtually, jot down some notes about them. These notes can help you establish, maintain and build the relationship down the line, which is crucial when you are trying to land a job or make a sale.
According to David Solloway, a career consultant and life coach, the key is to move quickly. The more time that passes after you meet someone, the harder it is to remember them. So, if you want to go from a potentially forgotten contact to a trusted resource or must-hire sales professional, take some time to craft a compelling networking email.
We share Solloway’s thoughts on four networking emails to write and his tips on writing them in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today.
Email No. 1: The thank-you email
It’s always a good idea to express appreciation, whether you want to say thank you for a prospect’s time or thank you for a job interview. Solloway suggests reserving 15 minutes within 48 hours of your meeting to write a thank-you note.
How to write it: You could start with a simple sentence like, “Thank you for taking time to chat with me.” In the next sentence, Solloway recommends sharing a specific piece of advice or insight from the other person that you found helpful. Then end the email, wishing the other person well. Often, the other person will respond saying they were glad to meet you as well.
Email No. 2: The referral request email
Sometimes, you may want your contact to refer you to another person. To gain a referral, you should have shown that you are a dependable and likable person. You also need contacts who are willing to take the time and risk of opening their network, says Solloway.
How to write it: Start by thanking the person again. Gratitude goes a long way. Then, remind the contact of your interests in a broad way. You could mention you’d like to learn more about their marketing role and the broader industry in their city. Next, ask for advice on next steps to secure a meeting with a hiring manager or buyer. You could say something like, “Is there anyone else you think I should meet?”
Email No. 3: The check-in email
Solloway recommends setting monthly calendar notifications to check in on those who refer you. Their helpfulness is a good indicator that they would be willing to recommend you for a role.
How to write it: In the first email, thank them for referring you to another person and provide a summary of how you have applied their guidance. In later monthly emails, consider tying in the season or company news. For example, you could say something like, “I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Thanks for all your guidance!”
Email No. 4: The application notification email
If you are applying for a new role, be sure to keep relevant contacts informed. If you do not notify valuable contacts before you apply, it’s like planting a garden and not harvesting the produce, says Solloway. This can also benefit your contact, as many employers offer bonuses to employees who recommend great candidates.
How to write it: Before you apply, you could send a note to your employer contacts saying something like “Thank you for all your guidance. I’m excited to apply for the sales director position at your company.” You could then close the email by asking if they would be willing recommend you for the role and if they have any suggestions before you apply.
When you meet someone new, don’t let the new connection go to waste. That new contact could help you secure a job or close a sale with a new client. To stay connected with the people in your professional network, consider when you can use the four emails above.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: David Solloway is a career consultant, life coach and cross-cultural training/development specialist. He works as the assistant director for Daytime MBA Career Services at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
