Networking is when you connect with people with shared professional interests, help each other achieve goals, like getting a job, or sometimes simply build confidence in having conversations with others.
As a sales rep, networking can be incredibly helpful when it comes to obtaining new leads. People in your same industry will be pre-qualified as being able to use and benefit from what you have to offer, which makes it easier for you to make a value proposition that sells.
The most challenging part of networking is making the initial outreach, whether over the phone, in person, or via email. Not to fear, though ¡ª we¡¯ve asked 51³Ô¹Ï salespeople for their favorite networking email subject lines and why they¡¯re so effective and we¡¯ll share their insight in this post.
The Best Networking Email Subject Lines
Read on to learn how to write an effective networking email subject line, according to 51³Ô¹Ï Reps.
1. ¡°Hey, Sam, let¡¯s talk about Marketing Hub.¡±
Template:¡°Hey, [insert name here], let¡¯s talk [insert relevant product here].¡±
, Growth Specialist and Account Executive at 51³Ô¹Ï, recommends this networking subject line: ¡°I love using this subject line because people WANT to talk about those things, especially if you¡¯re reaching out to a director. I feel like the subject line is simple enough and also catches the eye of the person it¡¯s sent to.¡±
2. ¡°Beth, 7 surprising industries that are perfect for your business are¡.¡±
Template: ¡°[insert name], here¡¯s [insert amount of information] about [insert corresponding topic].¡±
, Principal Account Executive at 51³Ô¹Ï, recommends sending an email with a subject line containing brief information about a shared topic of interest and then identifying how much information you¡¯re sharing in the email. This can entice recipients to open the email because they immediately know what to expect, and they¡¯re likely curious about what you have to offer them.
3. ¡°Lee recommended we speak.¡±
Template: ¡°[Mutual acquaintance] recommended we speak.¡±
This is a basic networking email subject line, but it is effective because it immediately names a mutual connection to help establish trust, and it also sparks curiosity.
If the person you¡¯re reaching out to is familiar and close with the person whose name you¡¯ve used, name-dropping can also serve to vouch for the quality of information you provide, making them more likely to click through the email.
4. ¡°Friend of Taylor who needs your advice.¡±
Template: "Friend of [mutual acquaintance] who needs your advice."
This subject line works as an introduction because you¡¯re establishing the mutual connection that endorses your relevancy in your network, and you¡¯re immediately sharing what you¡¯re hoping to gain from the relationship so the recipient knows what to expect.
5. ¡°Bill, here¡¯s 3 reasons we should chat.¡±
Template: ¡°[insert name], here¡¯s [insert number of reasons] we should chat.¡±
¡°My subject line criteria is to use a name, a number, and a list of reasons why they should open the email,¡± says Nwabeke. Nwabeke likes to use names because it¡¯s personalized, and numbers let the lead know how much info they can get from opening the email. Again, you're sparking curiosity by only providing the value within the email copy.
6. ¡°Reason for contact: information sharing.¡±
Template: ¡°Reason for contact: [insert reason here].¡±
A fairly straightforward networking email subject line, recommended highly by , Principal Partner Manager and 51³Ô¹Ï. She says, ¡°It¡¯s a brilliant one ¡ª people are so curious what the reason is, so they open the email to get more information.¡±
A unique and intriguing subject line in your networking emails can help you capture the attention of your leads and potentially spark the beginning of a great relationship. Leverage the suggestions on this list and begin using your inbox to grow your network.