32 Examples of an Effective Email Subject Line for Networking

Updated August 14, 2023

Networking is a vital component of becoming a successful professional, as it links you with other experts who have similar interests. Networking emails help in developing rapport after a successful event. When sending a networking email, it's imperative to draft an informative and engaging subject line to persuade the recipient. In this article, we explain what an email subject line for networking is, highlight its importance, give 32 subject line examples, and provide you with tips to guide you when generating your own.

What is an email subject line for networking?

An email subject line for networking is the first item a potential networking partner sees when they receive your email. Email subject lines reflect what the email contains. For this reason, it's important to draft a persuasive and informative email subject line that tempts the recipient to open and read the entire email.

Importance of networking email subject lines

A catchy subject line gets the recipient to read your email. If it doesn't get the reader's attention, they may ignore the email. An interesting subject line may not only convince the recipient to read your email, but it can also make them reply. Customizing your email subject line to match the interests of the person you hope to connect with sets your email apart. Other purposes of networking email subject lines include:

  • identifying yourself to the recipient

  • making sure your email is not mistaken for spam

  • highlighting what the email contains

  • stating the purpose of your email

Related: How To Send a Follow-up Email After an Interview After Receiving No Response

Examples of networking email subject lines

Here is a detailed list of example email subject lines to help you connect with other professionals:

Introducing yourself to a business professional

If you're writing to an individual within your line of work, it's best to appear courteous. You want to keep your writing professional to ensure you maintain the respect of the recipient. These email subject lines are perfect for this occasion:

  • Big enthusiast of your work requesting for quick advice

  • I noted you are familiar with (subject)

  • I'm a keen follower of your work. Allow me to introduce myself.

  • Hello, (title) (name). I've learned a lot about your work

Introducing yourself to an influencer

Influencers have eminent authority and power to affect the buying habits of a larger group of people. To have your email catch their attention, your email subject line can convince them you recognize their work. A mention of their name and some friendliness goes a long way. Try these subject lines:

  • Motivated by your post on (media platform)

  • I love your work, (name) it reminds me of (topic)

  • Hi (name), let's team up on this noble project

  • Hello (name), I'd appreciate your input on (topic)

Many influencers appreciate kind words and feedback. These subject lines can land you an opportunity to showcase your project or ideas to the recipient.

Introducing yourself to a person who posted an opinion or editorial online

Some online posts or comments catch your interest and give you the urge to contact the author. Here, show that you saw the post and that your email is a follow-up on the piece. Here are some examples:

  • I concur with your thoughts on (topic)

  • I saw your post in (platform) about (topic)

  • Hi. I have a concern about (topic)

An email follow-up with such subject lines can be the best way to start a conversation.

Subject lines to a person you met through a mutual contact

The trick here is to cite the name of the mutual connection. Oftentimes, this can be a very effective way to network. Here are a few ways you can include the mutual contact:

  • Hello, it's (mention your name). We met yesterday through (mutual contact)

  • Hello, (state your name) here, referred by (name the mutual contact) to talk about (subject)

  • (Mutual contact) introduced us at (event)

An email subject line with the name of the mutual contact provides a good foundation for a conversation.

Read more: How To Write an Effective Email Introduction

Following up on an acquaintance

If you want to link up with a person you met at a networking event, informal set up, or via a call, you can email them to communicate your interests. Try not to be too quick, but again, don't wait too long to contact them. Two to three days is ideal. Consider using a descriptive subject line to catch the individual's attention. Here are some email subject lines for networking you can use when following up on an acquaintance:

  • Hello (name), following up on the phone conversation we had on (mention the day).

  • I'm (name), we talked the other day on the phone.

  • Hello (name), we talked recently on the phone. How are you?

Sending a follow-up email after a phone call can improve your chances of securing a physical meeting with the recipient.

Read more: The Best Ways To Start an Email for the Desired Response

A networking email subject line after a meetup

The subject line, in this case, depends on the type of meetup that occurred. If it was a casual meeting, the subject line can be informal. Either way, politeness can increase the odds that the person opens your email. Here are some suggestions:

  • Thinking about our conversation in that meet-up, catch up some other time?

  • Hi (state their name), the discussion we had recently inspired me

  • Hi. I'm (your name). It was a pleasure meeting you.

Emailing a networking prospect after your meeting can be the beginning of a successful professional collaboration.

Subject line for a follow-up email after a networking event

Networking events offer perfect connections. It's in these events that you identify like-minded people you can work with. Follow-up email subject lines in such instances are a lot simpler because you already met before and probably shared. Consider going with something like:

  • We met at (event). Your talk on (topic) caught my attention

  • Thanks for the advice you gave me at (event)

  • Your presentation on (topic) at (event) was quite educative

  • I appreciate the interaction we had at (event)

  • What are your thoughts on (topic) at (event)

Making thoughtful email follow-ups after a networking event can help promote your professional relationship.

Subject lines on common interests

People connect easily with one another when they share common interests. By naturally stating your common interests in the subject line, you can draw the recipient into opening your email. Try the suggestions below:

  • One (occupation) to another, your work is exemplary

  • Fellow (name college or school) graduate hoping to connect

  • Looking to compare notes with a fellow (occupation)

  • I am passionate about (topic) too

Related: How To Write a Professional Email

Advice-seeking subject lines

If you're looking for advice on a particular topic or career path, you can rely on email subject lines to communicate your expectations. Here are some suggestions:

  • Hello (name), I need your help with (topic)

  • I'd like to find out more about (topic)

  • I'm hoping to hear more on (topic)

Remember to ask the recipient for specific advice on a professional matter.

Tips to creating memorable subject lines

Creating an effective subject line can quickly become a time-consuming task. Depending on the purpose of the email, it may involve some pressure when attempting to achieve perfection. Here are a few tips to help you generate the best networking subject lines:

Keep it brief

Long subject lines cannot fit into a smartphone's screen at a glance. Try generating a subject line that does not exceed 40 characters, as people may prefer to open their emails on their phones and not on their computers. A long subject line may cause the reader to lose interest before opening the main content.

Make it unique

If your email subject line stands out, your email is more likely to be opened. It's easy to ignore general subject lines, particularly if you don't know the sender. An appealing subject line may not only increase the chances of the email being opened but also cause the reader to pay closer attention to the content.

Keep it personal

If you're already acquainted with the individual you are eager to network with, let them know you've met before. This assures them that your email is not spam. Include details like your name, places you met, events you attended together, or even a school you attended together. A personalized email can help you start an ongoing professional relationship.

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