Writing a reconnecting email can be a daunting task, especially if you haven’t had contact with the person in a while. You may feel that the person has forgotten about you or that your email will go unanswered. However, reconnecting with someone can be beneficial and who knows, maybe even lead to new opportunities. So, how do you go about writing a successful reconnecting email?
First, it’s important to keep in mind that the email should be authentic and specific to the person you are reaching out to. Generic messages are unlikely to get the desired response. Take the time to research the person’s recent accomplishments or interests and include those details in your email. It shows that you value their work and are interested in their life.
Secondly, keep the tone friendly and upbeat. Avoid sounding desperate or needy. A positive tone can make all the difference in whether or not your email gets a response. Remember, you are reconnecting with the person, not asking for a favor.
Lastly, make sure to include a clear call to action in your email. This could be an invitation to grab a coffee or a request to schedule a call. Don’t leave the next steps up to the person to decide – make it easy for them to respond.
If you’re still not sure where to start, don’t worry! There are plenty of examples of successful reconnecting emails available online that you can use as a starting point. Edit them as needed to fit your specific situation and make it your own.
In the end, writing a successful reconnecting email boils down to being authentic, specific, positive, and clear. Give it a try – you never know what opportunities could come from reconnecting with someone from your past.
The Best Structure for Writing a Reconnecting Email
Writing a reconnecting email can be a tricky task, especially if you’ve fallen out of touch with someone you care about or you’re reaching out to a potential business contact. There are different approaches you can take, but there’s no doubt that a well-structured email can increase your chances of getting a positive response. In this article, we share the best structure for writing an effective reconnecting email that will help you re-establish old connections and build new ones.
1. Personalize the subject line
The first thing your recipient will see is the subject line. It’s essential to personalize it to catch their attention and interest. Avoid using generic or overused subject lines that might get lost in the recipient’s inbox. Try to include their name and mention something specific in the subject line that relates to the content of your email. For example, “Following up on our conversation about [specific topic]” or “Reconnecting with [their name] after [period of time].”
2. Begin with a warm greeting
A friendly and personal greeting sets the tone for your email and shows your recipient that you’re genuine and interested in reconnecting. If you know your recipient well, use their first name. If not, opt for a more formal greeting like “Dear [their name]” or “Hello [their name].” Avoid using generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” as they sound impersonal.
3. Start with a reminder of your connection
Remind your recipient how you know them or how you were introduced. This will help them remember who you are and establish context for your email. If it’s someone you met at a networking event or conference, remind them of where and when you met. If it’s an old friend, remind them of a memorable experience you shared. This can help break the ice and make your email feel more personal.
4. Share why you’re reaching out
In the body of your email, be clear about why you’re reaching out. Whether it’s to catch up, ask a favor, or explore a potential business opportunity, be specific. Make it clear what you’d like to achieve from the interaction, and how it will benefit both parties. Avoid being too pushy or aggressive. Instead, show your genuine interest in reconnecting by asking how they’ve been, what they’re up to, and if there’s anything you can help them with.
5. Suggest a clear next step
End your email with a clear call to action or suggestion for a next step. This will help keep the conversation going and give your recipient something to respond to. Be specific about what you’d like from them and make it as easy as possible for them to respond. For example, “If you’re available next week, would you like to meet for coffee?” or “Can I send you a proposal outlining our potential business collaboration?”
6. End with a warm closing
Finally, end your email with a warm and friendly closing. Use something like “Best regards” or “Looking forward to hearing from you” and then sign off with your name. You can also include a friendly and informal sign-off phrase that suits your style like “Take care” or “Talk soon.”
In conclusion, following a structured approach to a reconnecting email will help increase your chances of getting a positive response. By personalizing your subject line, beginning with a warm greeting, reminding the recipient of your connection, sharing why you’re reaching out, suggesting a clear next step, and ending with a warm closing, you’ll create a thoughtful and professional email that will help you re-establish old connections and build new ones.
Reconnecting Due to a Long Hiatus
Hello,
It has been some time since we last communicated and I wanted to reach out to reconnect. I hope this email finds you well.
I have been thinking about our interaction in the past and feel that I could benefit from reconnecting with you. Over the years, I have gained significant experience in my field and have some ideas that I would love to share with you.
This long hiatus has not weakened my interest in maintaining our relationship and I would like to discuss the possibility of collaborating on future projects. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reconnecting with a Previous Client
Dear [Client Name],
It was a pleasure working with you in the past and I hope this email finds you doing well. I wanted to reach out and see how you are doing and to open the door to potentially working together again in the future.
Since we last worked together, I have developed some new skills and expanded my portfolio quite a bit. In fact, I have a few projects that I think you might find extremely interesting. I would love to chat with you more about them and see if there is any opportunity to work together once more.
Please feel free to reach out to me when you have some time to discuss further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Following Up After a Networking Event
Hello [Networking Contact],
It was a pleasure meeting you at the [Event Name] event last week. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I wanted to take a moment and follow up with you to see if we might be able to connect further and potentially collaborate on future projects.
I was particularly drawn to your work in [Industry/Field] and I think that our skills would complement each other quite well. I would love to chat more about your experiences and see if there is any opportunity for us to work together.
Please let me know if this is something that you would be interested in pursuing further. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reconnecting with a Former Colleague
Dear [Colleague Name],
It has been quite a while since we last interacted and I wanted to take a moment to reach out and see how you are doing these days.
I have been doing well and have continued to build on my experiences since we last worked together. I believe that our time working together was incredibly productive and I remember some very successful projects that we completed.
I wonder if it would be possible for us to connect again and discuss any potential opportunities for collaboration. I believe that we could be incredibly successful partners and am eager to explore that possibility with you.
Please let me know if this would be something that would interest you.
All the best,
[Your Name]
Reconnecting After a Job Interview
Hello [Interviewer Name],
I wanted to take a moment and thank you again for the recent interview. I have been reflecting on the conversation we had and am more convinced than ever that I would love to be a part of your team.
As I continue to search for the right opportunities, I wanted to reach out and see if there was any further feedback that you might be able to provide. Additionally, I wanted to see if there were any upcoming projects or opportunities that my skills and experiences might be a good fit for.
Regardless of what the future holds, I just wanted to express how much I appreciated the opportunity to meet with you and learn more about your company.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reconnecting After a Professional Conference
Dear [Networking Contact],
It was a pleasure meeting you at the [Conference Name] last month. I hope that you were able to safely make it back home and that the conference was productive for you.
In reflecting on the conversations we had and the presentations that I saw, I realize that there are a few ideas and projects that I believe you would be perfect for. I would love to explore these more with you and see if there is any possibility of working together in the near future.
Please let me know if this is something that would be of interest to you and we can set up a time to chat further. Thank you again for your time at the conference and I am looking forward to the possibility of collaborating with you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reconnecting to Rekindle a Professional Relationship
Hello [Networking Contact],
As I was reviewing old contacts and emails, I was reminded of the productive relationship we had in the past. It has been some time since we last communicated, but I wanted to see if it might be possible to reconnect and potentially work together once more.
I have continued to build on my skills and experiences and believe that they would be a great fit with your own. I would love to discuss any ideas that you might have and see if there is an opportunity to collaborate in the near future.
There is no pressure to move forward immediately, but I just wanted to express my interest in reconnecting with you and potentially rekindling our professional relationship.
All the best,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing an Effective Reconnecting Email
Sending a reconnecting email can be intimidating and overwhelming, but there are several tips you can follow to ensure your email is effective and well-received. Here are a few tips:
- Be personal: Begin by addressing the person by their name and referencing something specific that you both share or have in common. This can help establish a connection and show that you’re genuinely interested in catching up.
- Show value: Clearly communicate the reason why you’re reaching out and what value or benefit it could bring to them. This could be in the form of sharing new insights, industry trends, or relevant happenings in their line of work. Make sure to keep their interests in mind and tailor your message accordingly.
- Keep it concise: Keep your email brief and to the point. Avoid lengthy introductions or explanations and get straight to the purpose of your message. Be respectful of their time and attention.
- Include a call-to-action: End your email with a clear call-to-action, such as asking for a meeting or follow-up call. This helps move the conversation forward and shows your intention to take action.
- Friendly tone: Use a friendly and conversational tone in your email. Avoid being too formal or stiff, as this can come off as insincere. Share your personal anecdote with the person you are sending the email.
- Purposeful request: Your request should be purposeful. Ensure that you are not wasting the reader’s time. Consider how a meeting could benefit both parties and present it in such a way that it promotes a positive outcome.
By following these tips, you can write a reconnecting email that is both effective and well-received. Remember that a thoughtful and well-crafted email can go a long way in re-establishing a connection and fostering a positive relationship.
FAQs related to Reconnecting Email Writing
How should I begin my reconnecting email?
You can start your email by addressing the recipient by their name, and then mentioning your previous relationship or interaction with them. This will remind them of your connection and serve as an icebreaker for the email.
What is the key element of a reconnecting email?
The key element of a reconnecting email is to show that you value the relationship and your intention is to re-establish communication. Make sure to express genuine interest in the recipient and personalize the email based on your past interactions.
How can I make my email stand out from other emails in the recipient’s inbox?
You can make your email stand out by adding a catchy subject line, keeping the tone friendly and informal, and including personal details that show you have taken the time to research the recipient’s interests or recent activity.
What should I avoid when writing a reconnecting email?
Avoid using a generic email template, sounding desperate or pushy, or making any assumptions about the recipient’s situation or availability. Also, avoid starting with an apology for not being in touch for a long time, as this may make the recipient feel awkward.
How long should my reconnecting email be?
Your email should be concise, but include enough personal details to show that you value the relationship and have a genuine interest in the recipient. A good rule of thumb is to keep it under 200 words, with short paragraphs and bullet points, if necessary.
Can I ask for a meeting or a favor in my first reconnecting email?
It’s not recommended to ask for a meeting or a favor in your first email. Instead, focus on re-establishing communication and building rapport. You can suggest a follow-up call or meeting after a few exchanges and once the relationship is re-established.
What is the best time to send a reconnecting email?
The best time to send a reconnecting email is during weekdays, preferably early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Avoid sending it during weekends, holidays, or busy times for the recipient.
Should I include my contact details in a reconnecting email?
It’s a good idea to include your contact details in a reconnecting email, such as your email address, phone number, and social media handles, if relevant. This will make it easier for the recipient to get in touch with you and continue the conversation.
What is the tone of a successful reconnecting email?
A successful reconnecting email should be friendly, positive, and authentic. Avoid using formal or robotic language, and instead, use an engaging and conversational tone. Show that you are genuinely interested in the recipient and their interests, and avoid making it all about you.
How can I end my reconnecting email?
You can end your email with a call-to-action, such as asking the recipient to respond and continue the conversation, suggesting a follow-up call or meeting, or simply thanking them for their time and attention. Remember to keep it friendly and authentic.
Thanks for Reading and Happy Reconnecting!
And that’s how it’s done. With these pointers in mind, crafting a charming and effective reconnecting email becomes so much easier. Remember to tailor the message to your intended recipient, keep it brief and genuine, and above all, stay positive! Now you’re ready to hit send on that email and see where it takes you. Thanks again for sticking with me till the end, and I hope to see you back here soon for more tips and tricks on all things communication.