Cold Email for Networking: Subject Lines and Templates

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, networking has become an invaluable skill for both personal and professional growth. Building meaningful connections and expanding your network opens doors to exciting opportunities, but making that initial contact can sometimes feel daunting.

That’s where the power of a well-crafted cold email subject line comes into play. This expert guide is here to help you navigate the art of cold emailing and master the art of crafting great subject lines, that open doors, spark curiosity, and ignite conversations.

So, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, join us as we delve into the secrets of effective cold email subject line networking.

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Contents

The Importance of Email Subject Lines

An email subject line holds significant power. It’s the first point of contact and often dictates whether the recipient will open your networking email or not.

Remember, in the realm of cold email networking, the subject line acts as the first impression – and you know what they say about the first impression last impressions.

When it comes to networking email subject lines, their importance cannot be overstated. Think of the subject line as a virtual handshake, a polite nod, or a quick wave.

It’s your foot in the door and the first step towards establishing a professional relationship with your recipient.

Crafting Networking Email Subject Lines

Your goal in crafting an effective email subject line should be to pique the recipient’s interest. You want to make them curious enough to open your email and read further.

A good subject line creates anticipation and offers some form of value or benefit. Be concise, be clear, but most importantly, be interesting.

While a catchy subject line can be great, ensure it’s not overly aggressive or it might land in the recipient’s spam folder.

At the same time, generic subject lines could cause your networking and email messages to blend in with the rest. To stand out, you need to strike the right balance.

How do you do this? By tailoring your subject lines. Personalized subject lines, for example, can dramatically increase your open rates.

This could involve mentioning the recipient’s job title or company name. You could also mention a mutual connection if you have one. Using a good rule of thumb, ensure your subject line relates directly to the content of your email.

Subject Lines and Networking Events

Networking events are a great opportunity to establish new connections. However, these events can also lead to a flurry of follow-up emails, each vying for the recipient’s attention. Here, your subject line can help your networking email stand out from the crowd.

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In your subject line, you can reference the networking event by name or discuss a specific event that happened there.

For example, “Following up from [Event Name]” or “Loved your insights at [Event Name], let’s connect.” These networking email subject lines show that you’ve paid attention and are genuinely interested in further communication.

Subject Lines and Mutual Connections

The power of a mutual connection cannot be understated. If you have a mutual contact with the recipient, using this in your subject line could significantly increase your chances of getting a reply.

Networking subject lines like, “Your colleague [Mutual Connection] suggested we connect,” or “[Mutual Contact] recommended I reach out,” can give you an edge in a crowded inbox.

The Potential Pitfalls of Email Subject Lines

When it comes to email subject lines, there are a few potential pitfalls to be aware of. The use of capital letters and multiple exclamation marks, for example, can make your networking email subject line look like spam. This could lead to your email ending up in the recipient’s spam folder.

It’s also essential to be aware of spelling errors in your subject lines. A typo can harm your credibility and reduce the chances of your email being opened.

Lastly, remember that the same subject line won’t work for everyone. You’re reaching out to a diverse group of individuals, each with their own interests and priorities. Try to avoid using the same subject line for different recipients within the same industry.

In the next part of this blog post, we’ll dive into more advanced techniques for creating effective subject lines for networking emails.

But for now, we’d love for you to connect with us at Mailarrow. Our cold email outreach software will help you craft the perfect networking subject line, and so much more. Sign up today to unlock its potential!

The Art of Crafting Perfect Networking Subject Lines

Networking Email Subject Line Examples

If you’re stuck on what to write in your networking email subject line, we have you covered. Here are some tried and tested examples to get you started:

  1. “Seeking advice from a [Job Title] expert like yourself”
  2. “Inspired by your recent article on [Relevant Topic]”
  3. “Saw you at [Event Name] – would love to connect”
  4. “Our mutual connection, [Mutual Contact], suggested I reach out”
  5. “[Your Name]: [Company Name] and [Recipient’s Company Name] – Possible synergies?”

These networking email subject lines are effective because they make the purpose of your email clear while still piquing the recipient’s interest.

Adding a Personal Touch

Personalization is key to grabbing a person’s attention. Mentioning a mutual interest, a common ground, or a shared acquaintance in your subject line can make a significant impact.

Networking subject lines that show a personal connection or demonstrate you’ve done your homework can increase your chances of getting a response.

For example, if you both attended the same networking event, your subject line could be “Enjoyed your talk at [Event Name] – Let’s chat about [Relevant Topic]”.

Or, if you’ve found a mutual contact, the subject line could be “[Mutual Contact]’s name came up – thought I’d reach out”.

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Follow Up Networking Emails

Follow up emails can be a delicate balancing act. You want to remind your recipient of your previous message without coming off as annoying or pushy.

The secret lies in the subject line of your follow-up email. A good rule of thumb is to mention the initial contact point in the subject line.

For example, “Following up on our [Specific Event] conversation” or “Still interested in exploring mutual interests?”

However, remember to be respectful and patient. Not everyone checks their email daily, and some may require more time to respond than others.

The Power of A Simple Subject Line

While creativity can pay off, don’t underestimate the power of simple subject lines. Sometimes, a straightforward approach can be refreshing amidst the sea of marketing emails trying to be clever or catchy.

Being direct and honest in your networking subject line can demonstrate authenticity and respect for your recipient’s time. For instance, “[Your Name] would love to connect” or “Hoping to exchange ideas about [Relevant Topic]”.

Avoiding the Spam Folder

One of the biggest challenges (even for cold email agencies) with sending cold networking emails is avoiding the recipient’s spam folder. One key component that triggers spam filters is the use of all caps or multiple exclamation marks in subject lines. Avoid these practices as much as possible.

In the next part of our blog post, we will discuss how to ensure your networking emails are seen, read, and responded to.

Don’t forget, if you sign up for Mailarrow today, you can explore more features of our cold email outreach software, helping you create the perfect networking subject line!

Best Practices for Networking Emails and Subject Lines

Establishing Genuine Connection

One of the key elements of successful networking emails is the ability to create a genuine connection with your recipient.

This goes beyond just crafting a great subject line. In your email, make it clear that you’re not a complete stranger but someone with mutual interests or acquaintances.

For instance, you might mention a recent article they’ve published, a mutual contact, or a common interest you both share.

This shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in connecting with them.

Noteworthy Subject Lines for Networking

When it comes to networking subject lines, being noteworthy is essential. The goal is to stand out from the crowd. For instance, if you’re a big fan of your recipient’s work, say so in your networking subject line here.

You could use something like, “Big fan of your work at [Company Name] – Let’s connect” or “Impressed by your recent presentation at [Event Name]”.

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Not only does this get their attention, but it also opens the door to further communication.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Networking Subject Lines

While we’ve talked about what to do, it’s equally important to understand what not to do. When crafting your own networking messages and subject lines, avoid generic phrases that lack personalization.

Generic subject lines like “Hello” or “Networking Opportunity” are easy to ignore. Instead, focus on making a personal connection or highlighting a mutual interest.

Another common mistake to avoid is being overly aggressive or too forward. Remember, networking emails should foster a professional relationship, not demand immediate attention or action. Be respectful and patient with your potential contact.

Networking Emails that Deliver Value

When reaching out to a new connection, it’s crucial to communicate the value you bring to them. Perhaps you can provide insightful feedback on their work, offer a unique perspective, exchange ideas or even suggest a mutually beneficial collaboration.

For instance, if you are a business owner reaching out to a business owner, you might use a subject line like, “How [Your Company] can help [Recipient’s Company] achieve [Goal]”. The key is to show that you’re not just interested in what you can get out of the connection, but also what you can give.

Following Up on Networking Emails

Finally, remember to follow up on your networking emails. If you haven’t received a response after a week or so, don’t hesitate to send a follow-up email.

Your follow-up email subject line could be something like, “Following up on my previous email” or “Just checking in”. This reminds your recipient of your initial message without being too pushy.

In our next segment, we will explore further techniques to ensure your networking emails are successful.

Make sure to sign up for Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, to make your networking journey easier and more effective.

Advanced Techniques for Crafting Perfect Networking Email Subject Lines

The Principle of Reciprocity

A strong networking subject line can often benefit from the principle of reciprocity. This principle suggests that people are more likely to help those who’ve helped them.

In the context of your networking email, mentioning a nice meeting, a beneficial exchange of ideas, or something you’ve done that may be of value to your recipient can be a compelling way to grab the reader’s attention.

Use Your Job Title Strategically

Your job title can also be a useful element to include in your email subject line, especially when it establishes common ground or points towards an interesting discussion. For example, “As a fellow [Job Title], I’d love to discuss [Relevant Topic]”.

Respect Your Recipient’s Time

Your subject line should respect your recipient’s time. Good subject lines for networking emails are concise and specific, avoiding unnecessary details or vague language.

This shows that you respect the recipient’s time and sets a professional tone for the conversation.

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Use Networking Events to Your Advantage

Networking events are a great opportunity to connect with new contacts. If you meet someone at such an event, your follow-up email’s subject line should remind them of the event and your conversation.

For instance, “Continuing our chat from [Event Name]” can be a powerful way to rekindle that personal connection.

Be Mindful of Spelling and Formatting

Spelling errors or inappropriate capital letters can undermine your message’s credibility. The recipient might even dismiss your email as spam.

To ensure your networking emails hit the mark, always proofread your subject lines (and the rest of your email) before sending.

Remember, our cold email outreach software, Mailarrow, can help you streamline your email process, making it easier to follow these best practices.

The Psychology Behind Effective Email Subject Lines

Creating Curiosity

Creating a sense of curiosity can significantly improve the performance of your networking email subject lines.

For example, hinting at a compelling discussion or a relevant topic from a recent article can pique the recipient’s interest and encourage them to open your email.

Leveraging Mutual Connections

When you share a mutual connection with the recipient, mentioning that individual in your subject line can be a powerful strategy.

Knowing that you have a mutual contact in common often piques curiosity and increases the likelihood of your email being opened.

Building Rapport

Using a friendly and familiar tone can help build rapport right from the subject line. This can be as simple as referring to a shared experience or a common interest.

Building rapport from the get-go makes it more likely that the recipient will open your email and respond.

Avoiding the Spam Folder

To keep your email from landing in the recipient’s spam folder, steer clear of salesy language and multiple exclamation marks in your subject line.

Also, always ensure that your email content matches your subject line, as mismatched content can appear suspicious to spam filters.

Promising Value

Your email subject lines should promise value to the recipient. Whether that’s valuable insights, an interesting conversation, or a potential opportunity, make sure your subject line helps the recipient knows there’s something worthwhile inside.

Remember, perfecting the art of the email subject line can take time and practice, but it’s well worth the effort.

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Sign up for Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, to get ahead of the game and start crafting compelling networking emails today.

Crafting Your Personal Networking Email Subject Line Playbook

By now, you’ve grasped the fundamentals of writing engaging email subject lines for networking purposes.

But to truly excel in this craft, you need to develop your own personalized playbook of effective networking subject lines.

Reflect on Your Industry

Firstly, consider your industry and what topics or phrases might be particularly engaging. A great subject line for a marketing professional might not be as effective for someone in the healthcare industry.

Recognizing the unique characteristics and interests of your industry can make your networking emails more relevant and compelling.

Test and Refine

Secondly, remember that every audience is unique. What works well with one group may not work with another.

Therefore, continually testing and refining your subject lines based on feedback is vital. Pay attention to which subject lines receive the best responses and adjust your approach accordingly.

Don’t Fear Being Different

Lastly, don’t be afraid to step outside the box. While simple subject lines often work well, sometimes being bold and different can catch a person’s attention.

For example, if you’ve recently published an intriguing blog post or come across a controversial industry trend, try incorporating that into your subject line.

By continually refining your approach and adapting to your audience’s responses, you can craft a personalized playbook of networking email subject lines that are uniquely effective for your context same industry.

So why wait? Start leveraging these strategies and create engaging email subject lines with Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software.

Mailarrow simplifies the networking process and offers valuable insights into your cold email outreach efforts.

Next, we’ll tackle frequently asked questions about networking email subject lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should the subject line be for a networking email?

The subject line for a networking email should be concise, engaging, and relevant to the recipient.

It could refer to a mutual connection, a common interest, a recent event, or something else that links you to the recipient. The goal is to pique their interest and give them a reason to open your email.

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What is a good subject for a cold email?

A good subject line for a cold email should spark curiosity while being direct and personalized. For instance, mentioning a common connection or referring to a specific aspect of the recipient’s work can make your email stand out and feel more personal.

How do I send a cold networking email?

Sending a cold networking email involves finding a common point of interest, crafting an engaging subject line, and writing an email that provides value to the recipient.

It’s also important to be respectful of the recipient’s time and to follow up if you don’t receive a response within a week or so.

How do you title a follow-up email after networking?

A follow-up email after a networking event should refer back to the event and the conversation you had with the recipient.

You could use a subject line like “Continuing our conversation from [Event Name]” or “Further thoughts on our discussion at [Event Name]”.

What should be the subject line of a cold email?

The subject line of a cold email should capture the recipient’s attention, evoke curiosity, and give them a reason to read your email.

It could refer to a recent article they’ve published, a shared connection, or a topic that’s relevant to their work or interests.

What is a good subject line for a catching up email?

A good subject line for a catching up email might be something like “Catching up since [Event Name]” or “Would love to connect and catch up on [Topic]”.

The goal is to be personal and engaging, sparking the recipient’s interest and reminding them of your last interaction.

What is the subject line for a thank you email after a networking event?

The subject line for a thank you email after a networking event should be gracious and refer back to the event.

You might use something like “Thank you for the insightful conversation at [Event Name]” or “Appreciating your time at [Event Name]”.

What subject should I put in a networking email?

The first personalized subject line of your networking email should be tailored to the recipient and provide a compelling reason to open the email. It could mention a shared connection, a mutual interest, or refer to a specific discussion or event.

Remember, Mailarrow can simplify and enhance your cold email outreach, helping you craft engaging subject lines and send successful networking emails.

Serge Shlykov is the founder of Mailarrow. Rotterdam Business School graduate and a long-time software engineer he has been running his own agency and SaaS business before realizing how many people are struggling with cold email outreach. This made him create Mailarrow, the cold email outreach software that helps you build great relationships at scale. Find him on Twitter and LinkedIn