Even the strongest professional networks need some TLC and writing a professional email is the perfect way to do it.
As you make a list of your career development goals and resolutions for the new year or even think about your to-do list for the end of the year, there's one action you don't want to forget: networking.
Specifically, connect with five people who can make a big impact on your career this year.
The last few years have brought lots of career changes. Covid pushed many people to change jobs, transition industries, and rethink entire careers. But the future is looking a bit grey. The job market is still strong, but layoffs are sweeping through industries with more job cuts predicted to be coming soon. It's times like these that proactive networkers jump into action.
Sure, it can be scary to email someone you haven't spoken to in years or try to turn a cold contact into a warm one, but your efforts will pay dividends for the rest of your career. Here are five people to email who can help boost your career.
The 5 Types of People To Email This Year
1. The Networker
This is the person in your friend or professional work group who seems to know everyone. They are well connected, and they are the person you'd reach out to if you ever needed help with a work "thing"—such as an introduction to someone or a referral.
To help you determine who exactly these people are in your life, take a moment to write down the names of the last five people who successfully helped with a work request. These could be mentors, current or former colleagues, close friends, etc.
Another question to ask yourself is to consider who you would reach out to if you just got laid off. The goal here is to think about who is well-connected to help but also has a proven track record of following through and delivering information, introductions, etc.
Next Steps
Now that you have a list, pick one person to email. This should be a person you feel very comfortable asking for help or even asking for them to tap their network on your behalf. Send a friendly email asking to grab coffee or lunch.
And make it convenient for them to say "yes" by meeting them close to their neighborhood or office. Even a 20-minute catch-up call would work.
What To Talk About
Unless you have something specific to talk about, you can keep the conversation pretty casual.
Ask them about a recent career move they made, what they're focused on in the new year, or get their advice on your career challenges.
You might even come up with new ideas during your conversation. Be sure to follow up via email with a thank you and anything you mentioned such as sending them your resume, asking for an introduction, etc.
Following up is incredibly important because it can make or break your future relationship with the person.
2. The Influencer
For your next email, think about someone who can impact your career.
An influencer might be a leader in your organization or industry niche, a contact you follow on LinkedIn but don't know personally, or even someone who is currently doing work you admire. This is someone whose career you might want to emulate.
Think of this as the person whose brain you want to pick—but you're definitely not going to use that term. This is also likely a person you're less familiar with, so you need to be quick with your email to catch their attention.
Next Steps
Once you've decided what influencer you want to connect with, consider what you have in common with them and specifically why/how they can help you. Are they on a similar career path? Could they provide some insight that would be helpful for you?
What To Talk About
Skip the long-winded introduction and get straight to the flattery and commonalities. Try things like:
"I've followed your work for a long time, and I really related to your recent article on X because..."
"We have similar backgrounds, and now I'm also trying to break into X field and would love your insight."
Quickly point out shared experiences that help them understand how they can help you.
3. The Leader
This is the executive or high-rising leader in your professional network. This also might be a previous boss or manager who has risen up the ranks somewhere new. It could also be a fast-growing business owner.
You might already have a warm connection with this leader or you might have a mutual connection that you want to ask for an introduction.
Next Steps
When you're asking for an introduction the best thing to do is craft the message for them so they can easily send the email. In your message include why you want to connect, any commonalities, and your learning goals. Basically, get to your point quickly so the leader will be open to communicating further.
What To Talk About
Be clear and concise about who you are and what you want. Here's a quick example:
My name is [NAME] and I currently work in [JOB/INDUSTRY] where I'm focused on [FOCUS]. I'm reaching out today because I would like to make a similar career transition as you to [INDUSTRY]. Would you be open to a 20-minute phone call to connect about career paths?
4. The Blast From The Past Professional
This is someone you haven't spoken to in a few years. Yes, it can be awkward to reach out to a person randomly, but chances are they will remember you (with a little help on your end) and give you the opportunity to network.
This might be someone you're connected to on LinkedIn who recently posted about a new job or promotion. Whatever it is, somehow their career/career goals intertwine with your own.
Next Steps
Own the fact that it's been a while since you last connected and politely remind them how you do know each other. You could say something like,
"I know it's been three years since we last connected at X Conference, but I wanted to reconnect."
What To Talk About
In your email correspondence, show them how you've kept up with their career wins/expertise. Try something like,
"I saw on LinkedIn you've worked at X and then Y, which is super exciting since they launched one of my favorite products."
Then you can gradually move into your request to reconnect. Something like, "I'd love to catch up via a phone call to hear more about what you're up to and see how I can support your career."
Even if you want something specific, like a job referral, don't ask for that immediately. Re-establish a relationship first and work your way up to asking for something.
5. The Ex-Coworker
When someone leaves your company, they are naturally broadening your network.
You know them and now they know a whole new set of professionals, so it's great to stay in touch with ex-coworkers. Plus, you have an easy "in" for reaching out by asking them how their new job is treating them.
Next Steps
Remind yourself of which coworkers have moved to companies or jobs that really interest you. From this list, who do you want to reconnect with? Who do you want to move your relationship forward with?
What To Talk About
Your goal is to reconnect and stay in touch, so use their new job as your opening. For example,
"You've been in your new job for a year, and I'd love to check in and hear how everything is going."
Maintaining Your Relationships
Once you've gone through the work to reconnect, make sure you learn how to master the cadence of staying in touch with a variety of contacts.
Here's an example of who to reach out to and how often:
- Close contacts: Monthly
- First-degree contacts that you're not super close with: Quarterly
- Third-degree contacts: Twice a Year
- Acquaintances or people you work with: Annually
