Networking
AI-Powered Networking Emails (Templates That Get Responses)
Cold networking emails have a 5-10% response rate. But the right email—personalized, concise, with a clear ask—can hit 30%+. AI helps you write those emails faster.
Why Most Networking Emails Fail
Your emails get ignored because they:
- ✗Too long - Nobody reads 4 paragraphs from a stranger
- ✗Too generic - “I'd love to pick your brain” means nothing
- ✗Ask too much - An hour-long call is a big commitment
- ✗No easy out - Feels like pressure to respond
The Perfect Networking Email Formula
Keep it under 100 words. Hit these four points:
1. Specific Connection
How you found them
2. Genuine Compliment
Not generic flattery
3. Clear, Small Ask
15-minute call, one question
4. Easy Out
No pressure if they're busy
The Master Networking Email Prompt
PROMPT
I want to reach out to [name] who is [their role] at [company]. I found them through: [LinkedIn, podcast, article, mutual connection]. What caught my attention: [specific thing they said/did]. My goal: [informational interview, advice on X, potential referral]. Write a networking email under 100 words that: - Opens with how I found them - Has a specific, genuine compliment - Makes a small, clear ask (15-min call) - Gives them an easy out - Sounds human, not templated
Example Output
SUBJECT: Your take on breaking into product management
Hi Sarah,
I caught your interview on Lenny's Podcast—your point about PMs needing to “fall in love with the problem, not the solution” stuck with me.
I'm a software engineer exploring product management and would love to hear how you made the transition from engineering.
Would you have 15 minutes for a quick call? Totally understand if you're swamped.
Best,
[Name]
67 words. Specific. Clear ask. Easy to say yes to.
The Follow-Up (The Part Everyone Skips)
80% of responses come from follow-ups. Most people send one email and give up.
FOLLOW-UP PROMPT
I sent a networking email to [name] [X days] ago with no response. Original email topic: [brief summary] Write a short, friendly follow-up that: - Acknowledges they're busy - Restates value in one sentence - Keeps the ask the same - Is under 50 words
EXAMPLE FOLLOW-UP
Hi Sarah,
Just floating this back up—know your inbox is probably chaos. Still would love 15 minutes on your PM transition if you have time. No worries if not!
Best,
[Name]
40 words. Zero pressure. Works.
Asking for Warm Introductions
Asking for introductions is an art. Too direct feels pushy. Too indirect gets ignored.
INTRO REQUEST PROMPT
I want to ask [contact name] to introduce me to [target person]. My relationship with [contact]: [how you know them] Why I want to meet [target]: [specific reason] Write an intro request that: - Is easy for them to forward - Doesn't put them in an awkward spot - Includes a "no pressure" escape valve - Has a forwardable blurb about me
Batch Processing: 5 Emails in 5 Minutes
Here's where AI really shines. Instead of writing one email at a time:
BATCH PROMPT
I'm reaching out to 5 people in [industry/role]. For each person below, write a personalized networking email. 1. [Name, company, how you found them, what interested you] 2. [Name, company, how you found them, what interested you] 3. [Name, company, how you found them, what interested you] 4. [Name, company, how you found them, what interested you] 5. [Name, company, how you found them, what interested you] Keep each under 100 words. Make them sound different—not templated.
You just did an hour of work in 5 minutes.
Networking Email Stats That Matter
5-10%
Generic email response rate
25-35%
Personalized email response rate
80%
Responses come from follow-ups
100 words
Ideal email length
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗“I'd love to pick your brain” - Vague and overused
- ✗“Let me know when you're free” - Puts work on them
- ✗Attaching your resume - Too forward for initial contact
- ✗Asking for a job - Networking first, opportunities follow
Your Networking Workflow
The compounding effect of consistent networking:
- 1.Send 10 personalized emails per week (batch with AI)
- 2.Follow up on non-responses after 5-7 days
- 3.Track responses, iterate on what works
- 4.Convert calls to ongoing relationships
Your next opportunity probably comes from someone you haven't met yet. Start today.
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