Networking Follow Up Email Tips

The art of crafting a follow-up email that actually gets a response - it’s a delicate dance of persistence and respect. When it comes to networking, following up with someone can be the difference between landing a meeting, securing a new opportunity, or being left in the dark. But how do you write a follow-up email that doesn’t come across as pushy or annoying?

To start, it’s essential to understand the psychology behind follow-up emails. When someone doesn’t respond to your initial email, it’s not necessarily because they’re not interested. Often, it’s simply a matter of being busy or distracted. Your follow-up email should aim to rekindle their attention and encourage a response.

Here are some actionable tips to help you craft a follow-up email that gets results:

1. Wait for the Right Moment

Don’t send a follow-up email too soon. Wait at least 7-10 business days after your initial email to allow the recipient sufficient time to respond. This shows that you respect their time and busy schedule.

2. Personalize Your Email

Address the recipient by their name and reference your previous conversation or email. This helps jog their memory and establishes a personal connection.

3. Add Value

Your follow-up email should provide additional value or insights related to your initial message. This could be a relevant article, a new development in your field, or an interesting statistic.

4. Be Brief and Clear

Keep your follow-up email concise and to the point. Avoid repetition and ensure that your message is easy to understand. Use a clear subject line that references your previous email.

5. Include a Call-to-Action

Specify what you’re asking for in your follow-up email, whether it’s a meeting, a call, or simply a response. Make it easy for the recipient to take the next step.

6. Proofread and Edit

Make sure your follow-up email is free of typos and grammatical errors. A well-written email reflects positively on you and your professionalism.

7. Use a Friendly but Professional Tone

Strike the right balance between friendliness and professionalism. Avoid being too casual or too formal, as this can come across as insincere.

8. Don’t Take It Personally

If you still don’t receive a response after your follow-up email, don’t take it personally. It’s not uncommon for people to be busy or uninterested. Move on and focus on other networking opportunities.

By following these tips, you can increase the effectiveness of your follow-up emails and improve your chances of getting a response. Remember, the key is to be persistent without being pushy, and to always add value to the conversation.

Example of a Follow-Up Email

Here’s an example of a follow-up email that incorporates these tips:

Subject: Following up on our previous conversation

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on our previous conversation regarding [Topic] and see if you had a chance to consider my proposal. I came across an interesting article that I think you’d find relevant, and I’d love to discuss it further with you.

The article highlights the importance of [Key Point] in today’s industry, and I believe it aligns with our previous discussion. If you’re available, I’d love to schedule a call to explore this topic further and see how we can work together.

Please let me know if this is something that interests you, and if so, we can schedule a time that works for both of us.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

FAQ Section

By mastering the art of follow-up emails, you can take your networking efforts to the next level and build meaningful relationships with others in your industry. Remember to always be respectful, add value, and keep your messages concise and clear. With practice and persistence, you can become a pro at crafting follow-up emails that get results.