Professional networking is the bread and butter of any successful business venture.
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to keep track of all the professional connections one makes and maintain regular contact with them. However, one of the most effective ways to reconnect with a long-lost connection is by sending a networking email with a compelling subject line.
The subject line of an email is critical in determining whether the recipient will open the email or not, as it serves as the backbone of the email’s content and can make or break your chances of a successful networking interaction. That’s why crafting effective subject lines for reconnecting emails requires careful consideration, as they need to be both attention-grabbing and informative.
By crafting a compelling subject line, you can increase the likelihood of your networking email being opened, read, and responded to, leading to a more fruitful professional relationship.
How to Talk to Someone You Haven’t Talked to in a While?
It can be awkward extending the hand of contact after a long time has gone down. A few tips are always efficient to have in your back pocket that can make the ordeal non-cumbersome for both parties. Forge the reconnection aptly – First and foremost, you must keep in mind what the extent of your connection was in the first place. If you just met the person in question in passing. It is important that you include where you met them and include a few details that should help jog their memory.
If you’ve shared a stronger bond in the past, then you might go ahead with a warmer greeting. Avoid getting straight to any favors or help that you might want from them. It is likely that they might be put off by the fact that you’ve only remembered them in a time of need.
You should refrain from a demanding tone in the mail. Rather offer the reader an out to ease the awkwardness in case the help you require is beyond their scope at the current time. Do not repeat history – If however, the person does respond, make sure to keep in touch with them this time around to show that you’re grateful for their assistance.
How to Craft an Effective Subject Line for Networking Email?
Carefully note and practice the following points to create an effective email subject line for networking and reconnecting:
Be clear and specific
Your subject line should be clear and specific, indicating the purpose of your email. Use language that is simple and straightforward, such as “Networking request” or “Coffee chat invitation”.
Personalization
Personalizing your subject line to the recipient can increase the chances of your email being opened. Mentioning a mutual connection or referring to the recipient’s expertise or interests can be effective. For example, “Introduction from a mutual connection – [Your Name]”.
Highlight the benefit
Include a benefit for the recipient in your subject line to make it more compelling. This could be an opportunity to collaborate or a chance to learn more about their industry or company. An example of this could be, “Opportunity for collaboration – [Your Name]”.
Use questions
Using a question in your subject line can be a powerful way to engage the recipient and encourage them to open your email. For instance, “Can we chat about [Industry/Topic]? – [Your Name]”.
Keep it concise
Your subject line should be concise and to the point. Aim for a subject line that is around six to eight words. Avoid being too wordy or using industry jargon that the recipient may not understand.
Make it unique
Your networking email subject line should stand out from the dozens of other emails in the recipient’s inbox. Try to be creative and unique while still being clear about the purpose of your email. Avoid generic subject lines like “Networking request” and instead use something like, “Connecting with [Company/Industry/Person] – [Your Name]”.
Subject Lines for Reconnecting Emails
Subject lines for reconnecting emails shape the tone of the mail and entice the reader to engage with the same. It is important that they seem welcoming and positive. They should be relevant, spark interest, and light up curiosity in the recipient’s mind. Following are the top 7 subject lines for reconnecting or for networking:
1. Checking in
This is one of the subject lines for reconnecting emails that has a high response rate. Avoid using this particular subject line when reconnecting with someone senior. However, for colleagues or juniors, this would be the way to go. Not only does this subject line make clear that the email is from an old connection, it also introduces the content of the mail.
2. How’s It Going?
This is another one of the subject lines for reconnecting emails that has a high response rate. Simple, succinct, to the point, and inviting – these qualities make it one of the most compliable subject lines for reconnecting emails.
3. Blast From the Past!
This is one of the subject lines for reconnecting emails that has a more informal and friendly tone. It would be perfect if you want to reconnect with someone from college or an old friend from work.
4. It’s been a while!
This is one of the subject lines for reconnecting emails that talks about the elephant in the room from the get-go and hence gets rid of the awkwardness. It is indeed a flexible and efficient choice as the subject line of a reconnecting email.
5. Hope you’re doing well
This is one of the most used subject lines for reconnecting emails. It has a warm, friendly tone and is a good option no matter your rapport with the recipient.
6. Hello again!
One of the most basic yet effective subject lines for reconnecting emails, this subject line invites the reader to engage with the mail.
7. {Your Name} from {Company’s Name}, seeking meeting
This is one example of subject lines for reconnecting emails that is direct and formal. This subject line would be good to use if you’re only looking for a meeting with a strictly professional connection.
Conclusion
Losing touch with acquaintances, former colleagues, or professional connections is natural. An email is the best means to extend a hand of reconnection once again. Chances are, the reader will be happy to hear from you.
Sending a reconnecting email is an excellent way to revive professional connections that have been lost over time. Remember that the subject line is crucial and should be carefully crafted to capture the recipient’s attention and encourage them to open the email.
By choosing a subject line that suits your rapport with the reader and applying the tips mentioned above, you can get rid of any potential awkwardness and successfully rebuild professional relationships.
FAQ- Subject Line
What is a subject line?
A subject line is a brief summary or a short phrase that appears in the email’s header and provides the recipient with a glimpse of the email’s content. It is the first thing the recipient sees and serves as the email’s headline.
How to reconnect with someone via email?
- Make sure that your subject line is inviting.
- Keep your tone modest but be sure to insert a clear call to action, if applicable.
- Offer them a way out of responding by ensuring them that you’re aware of their numerous professional commitments and show appreciation for the chance that they do respond.
- Don’t spend time apologizing for having lost touch; rather acknowledge that it happened and move on.
- To avoid sounding like a taker without being a giver, offer reciprocation.
- ‘please let me know if there is any assistance I can offer you now or anytime in the future goes a long way.
- Lastly, be sure to put in more effort to not repeat history and stay in touch this time around.
Why is an email subject line important?
The subject line of your email is undoubtedly the most crucial element in the entire email content. It creates the first impression, serves as a tagline, and ultimately determines whether the recipient will open it or not.