Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: A good start
• Method 2 of 3: Short and sweet
• Method 3 of 3: Finally

Email is one of the most widely used means of communication today. Knowing how to introduce yourself via email can do wonders for your career and your networks. A concise, clear introduction increases the likelihood that the recipient will take the time to read your email and that the recipient will feel involved with you. Avoid the most common mistakes to make sure you stand out from the crowd.

To step

Method 1 of 3: A good start

1. Provide a good subject line. The recipient should have a good idea of ​​what the email is about - even before opening the email. Keep it short and to the point; a long subject line can be a nuisance. For an introductory email, it is generally sufficient to write: "Introduction - Your Name".
   • Make sure to enter subject line first! Often the subject line is saved for last; this can make you forget to write the subject line altogether.
   • Mobile devices usually show only 25-30 characters of the subject line - so keep it short.
2. Start with a business salutation. Do not start with "Hello" or "Hey".You can use those kinds of greetings once you get to know the person. Rather, start with a proven and reliable greeting. Do not use the recipient's first name in your salutation.
   • "Dear Sir / Madam" - This is always a good option.
   • "To All Concerned /" To Whom It May Concern "- Only use this option if you are unsure who will receive the email.
3. Introduce yourself. In the first sentence, you should introduce yourself to your recipient. This helps them associate the rest of the email with a name.
   • "My name is…"
   • Optionally add your title. If you have multiple titles, don't unsubscribe them all. Just choose the most important or most relevant.

Method 2 of 3: Short and sweet

1. Explain how you obtained the recipient's email address. Let the recipient know how you found out their contact information. This shows that you have used the correct channels for this, and that you have not obtained it by stealth.
   • "Your office manager has forwarded me your email address."
   • "I found this email address on your website."
   • "So-and-so said I should contact you."
2. Talk about the last time you met (if applicable). Refreshing the recipient's memory can lead to more engagement.
   • "We spoke briefly at last week's conference."
   • "We spoke on the phone yesterday."
   • "I saw your presentation on…."
3. Share a common interest. This allows you to build rapport and prevent your business emails from sounding too cold. To find common interests, you may need to investigate. For example, take a look at Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
   • Let the other person know how you found out that you share an interest - if you don't, you'll seem like a stalker.
   • Preferably try to keep the common interests businesslike. Consider, for example, something in your industry, or a professional passion that you share.
4. Explain why you contacted. Don't wait too long to get to the point. An email in which it only becomes clear what it is about after six paragraphs will not be read by anyone. Explain loudly and clearly what you want and why you are contacting the recipient. If you ask for advice or make another request, make sure it's manageable - especially if this is your first contact.
   • "I would like to know more about ..."
   • "I would like to meet with you to discuss…."
   • "I would like to hear your opinion on…"
5. Keep the email focused on one topic. Jumping from one subject to another will make the recipient lose interest or forget why you have emailed again. Keep your introductory email simple, and only ask the recipient for one thing.

Method 3 of 3: Finally

1. Thank the recipient for their time. Nobody likes reading all of their emails, so make sure to thank the recipient for reading yours. This simple courtesy will significantly improve the recipient's mood and increase the chances of you getting a response.
   • "Thank you for taking the time to read this email."
   • "I appreciate you took the time to read this email."
2. Call for action. Ask the recipient to email or call you back, to think about your request, or whatever. Asking a question is also a good way to involve someone in your email.
   • "Let's meet up for lunch."
   • "What do you think of…?"
   • "I'm looking forward to your response."
   • "I look forward to your response"
3. End the email. When closing a business email, make sure that the closing greeting is grateful yet concise. A simple closing greeting keeps the email professional, but also shows your gratitude.
   • "With best regards)"
   • "Yours sincerely"
   • "Thanks"
   • "Thanks in advance, "
   • Not: "Greetings", "Mvg", etc.
4. Sign the mail. If you have not set up your mail service to automatically sign your mails, make sure to close with your name, title, and contact details. Don't overdo it with five phone numbers, two email addresses, and three websites. Keep it simple so that the recipient knows how best to contact you. Do not include quotes or mottos in your signature.

   • Jan Janssen

      

     [email protected]

     06 123 456 78

      

     www.janjanssenswebsite.nl

5. Proofread your mail. Before you hit "Send", take a moment to proofread your email. Correct any mistakes in spelling and grammar. Since this email is the first correspondence between you and the recipient, you want the first impression to be the best possible. Spelling and grammatical errors will detract from the professionalism of your email.