The 90+ Best Subject Lines for Networking Emails

Networking is essential to building connections that can potentially benefit you further down the line. It also helps you create a ‘circle of influence’ that provides insider information and helps you stay clued in to everything that’s going on within the industry. 

While networking is a great way to build your network, the real magic happens in the follow-up that takes place after the first contact. And that’s where, more often than not, most people fail. Without consistently following up with the contacts you meet, you can risk the initial enthusiasm growing cold and losing out on future opportunities for growth. 

Email has been seen to be the most effective and non-cringey way to reach out to new prospects. But with the average person receiving about 121 emails a day, how do you cut through inbox clutter and move the relationship forward from ‘just met’ to ‘let’s meet up?’

The answer to this seemingly complex problem is simple – it’s mastering the way you write your networking email subject lines. 

In this article, we’ll be covering the most important tricks of the trade to craft effective subject lines for networking emails that stop the scroll, capture attention, and win genuine, heartfelt responses.

Why networking email subject lines are important

Optimizing your follow-up email subject lines provides several important benefits:

● Creating an attention-capturing first impression: The average executive deals with more than a hundred emails a day. Most emails from unknown senders and generic subject lines don’t grab attention and can often get tossed to the trash bin if they appear spammy in nature. 

● Boosting open rates: Research suggests a strong correlation between subject lines and email open rates. The usage of techniques for generating optimal subject lines, like the ones we suggest in this article, can dramatically improve the odds of your email getting standing out and getting read. 

● Establishing relevance: A good subject line sets the tone for the email content and establishes why you’re relevant, especially if you’re writing to new connections that you’re hoping to convert to clients. Cold emails can often miss the mark. But a strategic follow-up email can inspire the recipient to take the next foot forward in the relationship. 

● Enhancing trust and professionalism: Follow-up emails, especially post a networking event or as a means to reconnect, can showcase your sincerity in wanting to establish a strong connection. A strong professional network can open doors for you, provided you’re able to establish trust and convey professionalism in the way you interact with the recipient. 

Best practices for writing effective networking email subject lines

Your subject line is the first thing that a recipient sees and it can determine whether the recipient is going to read it or banish it to the trash bin. A well-planned and carefully-written out subject line grabs the recipient’s attention, conveys the purpose of your email in a concise fashion, and ensures the connection actually goes on to read the email.

By following best practices, you can significantly increase the chances of your email being seen and read. 

In this section, we’ll cover strategies to create compelling subject lines that will help you pique genuine interest and start building meaningful connections that can foster career growth. These strategies can be just as effective when applied to the main body of the content. 

Be clear and concise

Writing short, yet concise email outreach follow-ups helps ensure your recipient doesn’t get bogged down by unnecessary detail. They can easily get an understanding of what to expect in the body of your email without feeling like their time is being wasted. In that sense, it also conveys respect for the recipient’s schedule and their need to optimize the time spent on email.

Aside from that, brevity also has a practical application. After a certain number of characters, the recipient won’t be able to see the message in its entirety due to limitations with the display. 

Consider keeping it as short as possible to achieve both goals. 35 characters or under means it probably won’t get cut off, but keeping it even shorter – under 20 characters – often increases your open rate.

Personalize it to the recipient

Emails without personalized subject lines have an average open rate of 16.67% vs. emails with personalized subject lines that have an average open rate of 35.69%.

That’s simply because personalization in the form of using the person’s name or specific and unique details relevant to the individual can stop the scroll instantly. Most marketers and networking professionals often use generic emails sent out in bulk using automation tools. 

Personalized subject lines stand out, as they show that you did the research and that you’re genuinely interested in making an impression. 

Some examples are – “[Name], Nice meeting you at the [Event]” or “Quick question, [Name]? or even “[Name], Let’s Grab Coffee?”

Highlight common connections or interests

If you’re not entirely comfortable with using the first name basis approach, you can opt to highlight common ground in the form of connections or interests that you share with the recipient. This especially matters if you’ve been introduced via a referral. 

You could refer to things like being from the same college, moving to the same city, joining the same company, mutual interests on social media, and so on. 

Convey value

The most effective way to capitalize on networking opportunities is to think of them as win-win relationships. It’s no different when it comes to crafting your follow-up emails. 

Offer something of interest or benefit to the recipient, your aim here is to add value when connecting, as opposed to adding numbers to your network.

This could include referring a useful business contact or potential new hire. You could even share a useful resource or content that would benefit the business. It can be as simple as a referring a recent article that featured the recipient’s name. 

From a psychological perspective, it’s about anchoring your personality to valuable information or growth opportunities. Bear in mind, you want to do adequate research to ensure that you’re genuinely bringing value to the recipient whatever you’re offering. 

Create a sense of urgency

Fun fact: emails that used the word ‘tomorrow’ were opened 10% more than those without! There’s something to be said about conveying urgency in email subject lines. Email marketing experts use this technique all the time to boost their email open rates and ensure their offers are being read and actioned.

Use the technique sparingly, because using urgency in a haphazard manner can derail even the best of intentions and make you look unflatteringly salesy. 

Avoid spammy language

Avoiding spam language can help boost deliverability rates by preventing your content going straight into the spam folder. 

To start with, avoid obvious spammy language, for example, “click here!”, “don’t miss this!”, “act now!” or even “win $1000!”, etc. Next,  remember to send your email from recognizable and trustworthy ESPs (Email Service Providers) like Google or Yahoo to avoid spam filters. Avoid sending bulk content frequently that eventually gets flagged as spam content by the recipients. This can signal duplicity to your ESP. 

High-performing networking email subject line examples

The following subject lines are applicable for different types of professional scenarios, choose the one that best fits your requirement.

1. Introductory emails (for the first personal outreach)

The common thread in all of these email headers is that there is an element of personalization in each. Personalized emails stand out in a sea of generic emails and are more likely to be opened and read. 

To leverage these subject lines effectively, research the prospect’s background with a fine toothed-comb. The idea is to show the recipient you’ve done the homework and are genuinely interested in what they’re doing and potentially building a mutual alliance. 

The seeming genuineness of the approach will also increase the likelihood of the recipient responding and wanting to take the engagement forward. 

• “Quick question about [specific topic/project] at [Company Name]”
• “[Mutual connection] suggested I reach out to you”
• “Innovative idea for [recipient’s department/role]”
• “Congratulations on your recent [achievement/news]”
• “[Your Name] – following up on [event/conference] discussion”
• “Impressed by your work on [specific project/initiative]”
• “Seeking your expert insights on [industry trend/challenge]”
• “[Your Company] + [Their Company]: Potential collaboration?”
• “New approach to solving [specific problem in their industry]”
• “Your TED talk inspired me to reach out”

2. Job search networking/informational interviews

These subject headers are applicable for different scenarios in job search networking. For example, subject lines seeking career advice can be effective to get your foot in through the door. These are otherwise known as seeking ‘informational interviews.’

A lot of established leaders and business owners are happy to offer career advice, provided there’s no catch involved. You can however use the opportunity to discreetly highlight your talents, in case there’s a potential fit for you within their organization. 

Other examples are more direct in terms of looking for opportunities within the recipient’s organization. The direct approach can often be appreciated by busy leaders with a scarcity of time. 

Last but not least, you can even use commonalities or points of interest as jumping off points, for example showcasing how you enjoyed an article (reference the article) they recently wrote. 

• “Seeking advice: Your career path in [industry/role]”
• “[Mutual connection] recommended I connect with you about opportunities”
• “Impressed by [Company]’s recent [achievement] – Any openings?”
• “Fellow [University] alum interested in [Company] opportunities”
• “Quick question about your experience at [Company]”
• “Admire your work in [field] – Can we chat about career growth?”
• “Exploring new opportunities in [industry] – Your insights would be valuable”
• “[Your Name] – Experienced [Your Role] eager to contribute to [Company]”
• “Inspired by your LinkedIn post on [topic] – Can we discuss?”
• “Informational interview request: [Your Field] professional”

3. Follow-ups after events

Follow-up emails post-events are the easiest to set up, but you still have to deploy them with care. 

When it comes to follow-up subject lines (and emails) after events, reference a specific chat, conversation, or talk where you connected to help them remember you and connect the dots. 

• “Great meeting you at [Event Name] – Following up on [Topic]”
• “Continuing our conversation from [Event Name]”
• “Quick follow-up: [Specific Point of Discussion] at [Event]”
• “[Mutual Contact’s Name] suggested I reach out after [Event]”
• “Enjoyed your insights on [Topic] at [Event] – Let’s connect”
• “Following up: Your question about [Topic] at [Event Name]”
• “[Event Name] attendee – Interested in your work at [Company]”
• “Putting [Discussed Idea] into action – Your thoughts?”
• “Impressed by your talk at [Event] – Let’s grab coffee?”

4. Follow-ups after calls / Zoom meetings

Follow-ups after calls or Zoom meetings require a slightly different approach, especially if you’ve had an initial discussion covering potential collaborations and tie-ups. 

Ideally, follow up within 24 hours of the initial call or Zoom meeting, while the call is still fresh on everyone’s minds. Summarize (very briefly) what was discussed, and action steps for the way forward. Remember to thank the prospect for their time and insights. 

• “Next steps following our call [yesterday/today/date]” 
• “Action items from our Zoom discussion on [Topic]”
• “[Your Name]: Follow-up to our conversation about [Specific Point]”
• “Continuing our discussion on [Topic] – Additional thoughts”
• “Thank you for your time – Follow-up on [Main Topic]”
• “[Company Name] collaboration: Post-call action plan”
• “[Your Name] – Moving forward with ideas from our Zoom”
• “Quick question following up on our [Date] discussion”
• “Implementing insights from our [Topic] call – Your input?”
• “Great call yesterday – Confirming our agreed actions”

 5. LinkedIn connections

You can use these emails to send connection requests or to send emails that include a request to connect on LinkedIn. These subject lines build on themes similar to those we outlined earlier, namely finding points of shared interest, using referrals, asking for informational interviews, and so on. 

When writing out emails to your LinkedIn network or prospective LinkedIn network, follow best practices – be clear about your purpose for reaching out and reference where you connected previously. Don’t forget to customize each email subject line/contents based on the profile of the receiver. 

• “[Shared Group/Alumni] member reaching out about [Opportunity]”
• “Impressed by your post on [Topic] – Further discussion?”
• “Quick question about your experience at [Company Name]”
• “Congratulations on your recent [Achievement] – Would love to connect”
• “[Mutual Connection’s Name] suggested I reach out about [Topic]”
• “Intrigued by your work in [Field] – Informational interview request”
• “[Your Industry] insights – Sharing a relevant article and thoughts”
• “Following your career path – Seeking mentorship opportunity”
• “Noticed we both [Shared Experience] – Let’s compare notes”
• “[Your Name] – Invitation to upcoming [Industry Event/Webinar]”
• “Expanding my [City/Industry] network – Virtual coffee chat?”

6. Outreach based on an article the recipient wrote

Outreach emails can generate a very positive first impression, but it’s crucial to get the phrasing and language right.

Always reference the article in the subject line to establish context. This will also help you get attention in a crowded mailbox. Ensure to discuss something specific that you liked within the article. Generic praise can come across as disingenuous and artificial, whereas praise on specific aspects of the article that you liked showcases that you took the time to actually read and appraise the contents. 

• “Question about your [Article Title] piece in [Publication]”
• “Inspired by your take on [Topic] – Potential collaboration?”
• “Your [Article Title] article – Aligns with my research on [Topic]”
• “Extending the conversation from your [Publication] piece on [Topic]”
• “Fascinating point in your [Article Title] – Industry implications?”
• “Your article sparked an idea – Can we discuss?”
• “[Article Topic] expert reaching out – Enjoyed your recent piece”
• “Building on your [Publication] article – Additional resources”
• “Counterpoint to your [Article Title] argument – Open to discussion?”
• “Implementing ideas from your [Topic] article – Quick question”
• “Your [Publication] piece: Catalyst for my current project”
• “Sharing my experience related to your [Topic] article”
• “Timely insights in your [Article Title] – Interview request”

7. Outreach for a partnership

When doing an outreach follow up email, remember to adopt an intriguing subject line (refer to any of the following subject lines for inspiration) that emphasizes the potential benefits of working together.

Avoid overtly-salesly language, while keeping things professional. Briefly elaborate on the expected benefits and use ‘action-oriented’ language to entice the recipient to open the email. 

• “[Your Company] + [Their Company]: Potential collaboration opportunity”
• “Partnership proposal: Combining our strengths in [Industry]”
• “Exploring synergies between [Your Company] and [Their Company]”
• “[Mutual Contact] suggested a potential partnership – Let’s discuss”
• “Joint venture possibility: Expanding into [New Market/Sector]”
• “Strategic alliance proposal: Enhancing [Specific Area] together”
• “Collaboration opportunity: Solving [Industry Problem] together”
• “Partnership inquiry: Leveraging our complementary strengths”
• “[Your Product] + [Their Service]: A powerful combination for clients?”
• “Mutual growth through partnership – Exploring possibilities”
• “Innovative co-branding idea for [Their Company] and [Your Company]”
• “Partnering for impact: Addressing [Industry Trend] together”

8. Outreach based on a mutual connection

Emails based on mutual connections can work remarkably well because they leverage an element of trust. If the connection is someone they know, and work well with, they’re more likely to respond to your request to establish a professional relationship. 

Remember to reference the mutual acquaintance’s name in the subject line to establish immediate context and include the purpose in brief. Think of the mutual connection as a bridge to build a connection as opposed to being the ONLY reason for the connection so the relationship gets off on the right track. 

• “[Mutual Connection’s Name] suggested I reach out – [Brief Purpose]”
• “Connecting via [Mutual Connection]: Seeking your insights on [Topic]”
• “[Your Name] here – [Mutual Connection] thought we should connect”
• “Quick question from [Mutual Connection]’s colleague about [Topic]”
• “Referral from [Mutual Connection]: Exploring potential collaboration”
• “[Mutual Connection] spoke highly of your expertise in [Field]”
• “Following up on [Mutual Connection]’s introduction – [Brief Purpose]”
• “Mutual connection with [Name] – Seeking advice on [Specific Topic]”
• “[Your Company] + [Their Company]: Partnership idea (via [Mutual Connection])”
• “[Mutual Connection] mentioned your work in [Area] – Can we chat?”
• “Expanding my network: [Mutual Connection] suggested we connect”
• “Shared passion for [Topic/Industry] – Intro via [Mutual Connection]”
• “[Mutual Connection] recommended I share my [Project/Idea] with you”
• “Coffee chat request – [Mutual Connection]’s [Industry] connection”

9. Connections made after referrals

With connections made after a referral, you want to establish an element of warmth while not being too friendly. Remember to include the referrer’s name in the subject line together with a very brief overview of the reason for reaching out. 

Hint at the value of the relationship in the email and encourage the recipient to connect to learn more or to capitalize on the opportunity. 

• “Referred by [Name]: Exploring [Industry] collaboration opportunities”
• “[Your Name] here – [Referrer] suggested I reach out about [Topic]”
• “Quick introduction following [Referrer]’s recommendation”
• “Connecting per [Referrer]’s suggestion – [Your Expertise/Role]”
• “[Referrer] thought you’d be interested in our [Product/Service/Idea]”
• “Referral from [Name]: Seeking your insights on [Specific Challenge]”
• “[Referrer] mentioned your expertise in [Field] – Can we chat?”
• “Following [Referrer]’s advice: Introducing [Your Company/Project]”
• “Referred by [Name] for potential [Type of Opportunity]”
• “[Referrer] suggested you’re the perfect person to discuss [Topic]”
• “Expanding my network: Referred by [Name] for [Specific Reason]”

Level up your networking game

A strong subject line can stand out in cluttered mailboxes encouraging prospects to engage with you and take the next step forward in the relationship. Remember to leverage commonalities and extensively research your prospect’s background to make the email personalized and relevant to them. 

Writing effective subject lines that actually get your email read can seem very daunting at first. But, if you follow the best practices and tips outlined in this article, you’re well on your way to successfully expanding your network and establishing your own circle of professional influence. 

For more useful content on the subject of writing emails that get seen, read, and responded to, check out these detailed resources:

● 8 Employee Referral Email Samples to Use on Repeat

● How To Ask for Referrals in an Email: 15 Tips [+ Templates and Examples]

● Brand Ambassador Email Templates: 6 Ambassador Outreach Emails to Use in Your Program