You probably owe someone an email.

(I mean, it’s not just me, right?! )⁠

Email is an important way to keep in touch and maintain relationships – and doing this consistently when you’re not looking for a new job can make generating new opportunities and reconnecting when you are an active job seeker, a lot easier!

If you’re worried that you can’t “network” effectively digitally, it’s time to step up your email game!

Here are six emails you can send this week to connect, re-connect and build mutually beneficial relationships:

A friendly check-in

Most of our clients hate feeling like they are asking for help. While it’s perfectly okay to ask for help – and we should all learn to get better at doing just that – not all “networking” has to be about asking for favors.

You could send a friendly check-in to people that you have lost touch with or just haven’t heard from in a while and see how they are doing and what they’re up to.

This is one of those things that is great to schedule quarterly or monthly.

If you know you’re going to need references or other assistance in the future, reach out ahead of time to re-establish the relationship!

A job posting that looks like a great fit for someone else

Speaking of helping out other people, why not review recent job postings and see if any seem like a great fit for your friends or colleagues that you know are looking?

This is a great way to show people that you’re thinking of them and committed to their interests and development, too.

A follow-up

Do you owe someone something?

Schedule some time in your calendar this week to follow up with someone you offered a link, resource, or feedback for.

I know, I know. It can be awkward if it’s been a long time. You can certainly acknowledge that it’s been a while – and keep your commitment, too.

I keep some time in my calendar every other week to do just follow up emails so that I don’t drop the ball on connecting people in my network with what they need.

A nudge

Now…does someone owe you something?!

This is a great time to “circle back” and see if they have that resource/introduction/time to speak that you were hoping for.

I typically give people a week or two before sending a nudge.

I won’t send them indefinitely - but I will sometimes send one or two before assuming someone is just not in the place to get back to me at the moment.

A thank you

Here’s the great thing about “a thank you” email – they are timeless.

You could write to someone from your past – a professor or one of your first supervisors – or you could reach out to someone who helped you more recently.

There really is no wrong way to express gratitude.

An offer to help

Maybe you see a contact on LinkedIn looking for work or a colleague looking for volunteers. 

Expressing your interest in other people’s goals and projects – and your willingness to help – goes a long way to building trust.

If you’re looking for templates, make sure you check out Work Words - our digital resource library with over 250+ customizable templates designed to help you easily initiate and maintain relationships, convey value, and move your career forward. We even include language on how to reach out and follow up in these difficult times. 

Remember, building relationships is an investment in your career – and most importantly, you have a lot of support and insight to offer other people, too!

 

Which emails will you send out this week?!