For many, the hardest part of networking is simply knowing how to ask for someone’s time. What do you actually say?
Problem solved.
Below, a few battle-tested networking email templates that not only get responses, but will also set your meeting up for success.
Template A: Asking for a Business Networking Meeting
Hi Tim:
My name is Ben Sands, founder of Regret Free Life. [Who I am.] Our mutual friend, Bill Smith, suggested I reach out. [This sentence should “engage” – i.e. offers a compelling reason for the person to keep reading.]
In a nutshell, Regret Free Life helps graduates of great schools better navigate the personal and professional decisions they face. [A little more color about me.] Bill suggested I connect with you following my recent presentation at Georgetown University on “Staying High Potential…” [Establish credibility and context.] He believes that MIT alumni would benefit from a similar discussion. [Perhaps the most important sentence — connects who I am to why I’m writing.]
Would you have time to speak this week? [My specific ask.] I’d like to tell you more about my program and discuss if/how what I’m doing might complement your 2014 alumni engagement strategy. [Important — what’s in it for them!]
I am available at the following times: [Offer both specific and general times; make it as easy as possible for them to say yes.]
- Monday: 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. or 4 p.m. EST
- Tuesday: anytime after 2 p.m. EST
Please let me know what works for you — or, if you prefer, I will follow up with you directly to confirm. [This line allows you to follow up via phone if you don’t hear back, which will depend on how busy the person with whom you are trying to meet is.]
– Best,
Ben
P.S. Attached is a short article I wrote on the challenge of going from high-potential to high-performing; I think you will find it interesting. [A “value-add” or credibility-building “P.S.” usually gets read — use it.]
Template B: Asking for a Job-Seeker or Informational Interview
Hi Tim:
My name is Ben Sands. Our mutual friend, Bill Smith, suggested that I reach out to you. [Engagement; why they should keep reading.]
I graduate from Duke (undergrad) in May and I am actively working to identify my first step post-college. [Establish credibility and context.]
At a high level, my ideal first job would be to work for a company that helps people more easily access and explore the world. Even more important, however, is that I work with smart, successful and positive people from whom I can learn. [Establish that you’ve given this some thought; you’re not simply looking for someone to tell you what to do.]
Bill, as you may know, is a big fan of yours [a sincere compliment never hurts] and, given my interests, suggested I find time to speak with you. I’d like to pick your brain a bit about the companies you’ve worked for — and those that most excite you today. In addition, I’d be interested in any key lessons you’ve learned on you journey from college to the position you hold today. [Set an example agenda for the meeting — what you would want to discuss.]
I know this is a busy time of year, but I’d love to buy you a coffee or a beer as your schedule allows. [Although many won’t allow you to, you should offer to pay.]
Below, a couple of times that work for me: [Again, make it as easy as possible for them to say yes.]
- Tuesday – 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m. or after 5:30 p.m. (for a beer?)
- Friday – anytime between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
If none of these work for you, just suggest an alternative and I will do my best to accommodate.
Thanks Tim — I look forward to meeting you.
– Ben
P.S. … [Again, value-added “P.S.”]
Teeing Up the Informational Interview With a Meeting Agenda
Send this note 24 hours in advance, and the meeting is far less likely to push/cancel.
Tim,
Really looking forward to speaking with you tomorrow at 2:30 at Starbucks at 24th & M Street. [Make sure you’ve got the date, time, location right — first thing!]
As I mentioned in my initial outreach, I graduated from Stanford this May and am actively working to identify my first step post-college. [Remind them who you are and what you want; most won’t have given it much thought prior to getting this email.]
In addition getting to know you — and how you navigated your first few jobs after college — I’d also be interested in learning more about Patagonia. [“Patagonia,” in this case, would be where the person you are meeting works.] Specifically, I’m interested in the company’s approach to leadership development, a topic that is of great interest to me (the subject of my Senior Honors Thesis). [Agenda and what makes you interesting/unique.]
Ultimately, I am looking for a bit of advice and perspective, from someone whom a trusted friend, Bill, trusts very much. [Set a simple, clear goal/expectation for the discussion.]
Thanks, in advance, for the time — I am really looking forward to it. If anything comes up, my cell is 212-555-1212. [Remember to give a cell phone in case they are running late.]
– Best,
Ben
P.S. I’ve attached an updated resume to this note to give you a better sense of the work I’ve been doing for the past 4 years and prior. [Attach a resume even if it’s just an informational meeting; it’s a useful tool and it can help fill in the blanks if necessary.]
This post originally appeared at Regret Free Life.
Image: Flickr
