Most of us have faced the situation where we need to reconnect with someone we’ve lost touch with. Perhaps it’s an old colleague or a long-lost friend. Regardless of the reason, sending a reconnecting email can be daunting. But fear not, for with a little bit of guidance, you too can write an email that will reignite your connections.
Writing an email to re-establish contact requires a careful balance of politeness and confidence. You want to come across as sincere, while also making it clear that you’re excited to reconnect. Luckily, there are plenty of templates you can use as a starting point, and with a few small tweaks, you can make them your own. In this article, we’ll explore how to write a reconnecting email that will make the recipient eager to continue the conversation.
We’re talking about more than just generic templates, though. This article will dive into the crucial details that make up a winning message. From personalised introductions to compelling conversation starters, we’ll be going through every step of crafting a persuasive reconnecting email. So whether it’s a former employer you’d like to grab coffee with or an old friend you’ve lost contact with, you will find all the tools you need to write an email that will spark a reconnection.
So now is the time to dust off those old email addresses and start drafting. With a little bit of effort, you’ll soon be back in touch with anyone you wish to reconnect with. So let’s get started and use these techniques to craft an ideal reconnecting email that will make them want to reply right away.
The Best Structure for Writing a Reconnecting Email with Tim Ferriss
If it’s been a while since you last spoke to someone and you want to reach out and reconnect, it can be a bit intimidating to start crafting that email. You want to come across as genuine, thoughtful and interested in catching up. Fortunately, Tim Ferriss, the bestselling author, and entrepreneur, has a proven structure for writing the perfect reconnecting email, which we will outline below.
Subject Line
Your subject line is the first thing your recipient will see and will determine whether they actually open your email or not. So it’s essential to craft a compelling subject line. Keep it succinct and intriguing; don’t go for the boring “Reaching Out” or “Let’s catch up.” Instead, try something like “Reconnecting – Happy News!” or “Long time, no see – so much to catch up on!”
Opening Paragraph
The opening paragraph sets the tone for your email, so it’s crucial to get it right. Start by acknowledging how much time has passed since your last conversation. For example, “It’s been ages since we last caught up, I hope everything has been well with you.” Then, add a little bit about what you’ve been up to since you last spoke. Keep it positive, upbeat, and light-hearted. You want the recipient to feel like they are receiving good news from an old friend.
Update and Question Paragraph
In this paragraph, you need to provide an update about what you’ve been doing lately and ask a question to show you’re interested in their life too. You can share a significant life event or a unique accomplishment. This section is used to show that you not only want to catch up, but you’re willing to invest effort into building a connection. For example, “I recently started a new job, which is keeping me busy, but it’s been great so far. How about you? What have you been up to?”
Closing Paragraph
The closing paragraph is where you wrap everything up. Here you should propose specific plans for getting together, virtually or in person. You can even share how excited you are to see them again. Be specific about the date and time that works for you so your recipient knows that you’re making an effort to meet with them. “How about we catch up over coffee next Tuesday? Let me know what works best for you.”
Sign-Off
Finally, your sign-off should be warm, friendly, and personal. Choose something that’s appropriate for your connection and level of relationship, but don’t be too formal. A simple “Looking forward to reconnecting” or “Hope we can catch up soon” will suffice for most interactions.
And there you have it – Tim Ferriss’ proven structure for writing a successful reconnecting email. By using this guide, you can confidently reach out to old friends and acquaintances, catch up, and strengthen relationships.
SAMPLE EMAIL TO RECONNECT WITH A FORMER COLLEAGUE AFTER A LONG TIME
Dear [Name of Colleague],
I hope this email finds you well! It’s been so long since we last spoke. It’s crazy to think it’s been [number of years].
[Personalized paragraph on reminiscing a fun moment or project the two of you did together].
The reason I’m reaching out is that I could use your advice on something work-related. [Briefly mention a specific problem you’re facing or a change in your career and how it’s affecting you.] I remember how helpful you were when it came to [a similar problem before].
I would be so grateful if we could chat over the phone or grab coffee. Are you free next week or the week after?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
SAMPLE EMAIL TO RECONNECT WITH A FORMER CLIENT FOR A REFERRAL
Dear [Name of Client],
I hope this email finds you well! It’s been a while since we last spoke, and I hope that your business has been thriving since we concluded our last project.
[Personalized paragraph about your appreciation for their business and work together].
I’m writing today because I’m looking to expand my client base and getting more businesses like yours on board would be such an honor. I was wondering if you might know of anyone who could use [a service you provide]?
Of course, if you have any need for my services again, I’d be more than happy to discuss how I might be able to assist you.
It would be so great to reconnect with such a successful and inspiring business. Let’s catch up soon!
Warm regards,
p>[Your Name]
SAMPLE EMAIL TO RECONNECT WITH A FORMER COLLEAGUE FOR A JOB REFERRAL
Dear [Name of Colleague],
I hope this email finds you well! It’s been so long since we last spoke. It’s crazy to think it’s been [number of years].
[Personalized paragraph on how much you enjoyed working with them and what you appreciated about their work].
The reason I’m reaching out is that I’m currently seeking [type of job] and noticed that your company has an open position available. I was wondering if you’d be willing to refer me? I’d be happy to send my resume over and answer any questions the hiring manager might have.
Even if this particular position isn’t the right match, I’d appreciate any advice you might have on the current job market and the types of skills in high demand.
It would be fantastic to catch up with you over dinner or drinks sometime next week. Let me know if you’re free!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
SAMPLE EMAIL TO RECONNECT WITH A FORMER CUSTOMER FOR A REVIEW
Dear [Name of Customer],
I hope this email finds you well! It’s been [amount of time] since we last spoke, and I wanted to check in and see how things have been going since our services.
[Personalized paragraph on how much you enjoyed working with them and what you appreciated about their project/business].
The reason I’m reaching out is that I recently updated my portfolio and website and was hoping to feature your [project/business] on my site as a case study. If you have any thoughts or feedback on the work we did together, I would be so grateful if you could share them with me. Your opinion carries so much weight.
In case you’re interested, I’d also love to catch up over the phone or over coffee. It’s always nice to reconnect with clients and hear about their endeavors.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
SAMPLE EMAIL TO RECONNECT WITH A FORMER PARTNER FOR A JOINT VENTURE
Dear [Name of Partner],
I hope you’re doing well. It’s been some time since we last spoke – [length of time] to be exact – and I’m wondering if you’re up for a catch-up call sometime soon.
[Personalized paragraph on how you enjoyed working together, what you accomplished collectively, and what you’re admiring about their current work.]
I was thinking that we might be able to collaborate on a new venture together. I have some ideas that may interest you, and I’d love to get your thoughts on them.
If you’re willing, we can set up a zoom call and spend some time chatting – there’s a lot to catch up on! Looking forward to hearing from you.
Warm Regards,
[Your Name]
SAMPLE EMAIL TO RECONNECT WITH AN OLD MENTOR FOR CAREER GUIDANCE
Dear [Name of Mentor],
I hope this email finds you healthy and thriving! It’s been too much time since we last spoke, [number of years], and I’m hoping this email will find you with some free time to chat and catch up.
[Personalized paragraph on how much you appreciate their advice in the past and the impacts they made on your career.]
I’m writing today because I could use your mentorship again. I’m [Specify where you are in your current career, what you hope to achieve in the future, what you’re struggling with, etc.].
If there’s any opportunity to chat over coffee, a call, or anything convenient for you, I’m eager to do so. I would appreciate catching up and hearing your perspective once again.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
SAMPLE EMAIL TO RECONNECT WITH A FORMER CLASSMATE FOR NETWORKING
Dear [Name of Classmate],
I hope this email finds you well! It’s been some time since we last connected – [length of time] to be exact.
[Personalized paragraph on what you remember about them as a classmate, what they were keen about, achievements, do you remember a funny story, etc.].
I’m writing today because I was hoping we could catch up and talk about what we’ve both been doing since the last time we saw each other. Between work and personal life, it’s been a fair amount of time and things sure must have changed.
If you’re up for a quick chat, let me know, and we can arrange something. I’m confident that we could be of service to one another. Who knows, maybe networking together will benefit us both at some point down the road?
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Reconnecting Email
Reconnecting with someone after a long period of time can be challenging. It’s important to approach the situation with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. Here are some tips for writing a successful reconnecting email:
- Start with a warm greeting. Acknowledge that it’s been awhile since you’ve been in touch and express that you hope they are doing well.
- Be honest about your intentions. Whether you’re looking to catch up, reconnect as friends, or potentially explore a professional relationship, be clear about your intentions and avoid being vague.
- Maintain a positive and friendly tone throughout the email. Avoid bringing up anything negative from the past or starting on a negative note. Keep the conversation light and positive.
- Show a genuine interest in what they’ve been up to. Ask questions about their life and express interest in their current projects or successes. This will show that you’ve been thinking about them and are genuinely interested in catching up.
- Don’t be pushy. Whether you’re hoping to meet up in person or simply continue the conversation over email, be respectful of their time and don’t come across as overly eager or aggressive.
- Keep the email short and sweet. Avoid writing a long, rambling message that covers too much ground. Stick to the basics and keep it concise.
- End the email on a positive note and express your desire to stay in touch. You may even suggest a specific time or date to catch up.
Overall, reconnecting with someone is about fostering positive connections and rebuilding relationships. By following these tips and approaching the situation with sincerity and respect, you can successfully rebuild a relationship and create meaningful connections with others.
FAQs on How to Write a Reconnecting Email
What is a reconnecting email?
A reconnecting email is an email sent to someone you haven’t communicated with in a while, with the goal of reigniting the relationship.
Why is it important to write a reconnecting email?
A reconnecting email is important to rebuild connections and relationships, to catch up with old contacts, and possibly to achieve professional and personal goals.
What should be the tone of a reconnecting email?
The tone of a reconnecting email should be friendly, warm, and professional, with a focus on rekindling a relationship. Avoid being overly formal or using a salesy approach.
What should you include in a subject line of a reconnecting email?
The subject line should be personalized and catchy. It should entice the recipient to open the email and read its content. Use the person’s name or something you both share as a basis for the subject line.
What should the body of a reconnecting email entail?
The body of the email should include a warm greeting, a personalized message, an update on your life, an inquiry about their life, a genuine compliment, and a call to action.
How long should a reconnecting email be?
A reconnecting email should not be too long as it might come off as tedious and will likely not be read thoroughly. A maximum of two short paragraphs will suffice.
What should be the overall goal of a reconnecting email?
The goal of a reconnecting email is to reignite a connection or relationship. The email must sound genuine and sincere and avoid any harassment to take further action.
What are the benefits of writing a reconnecting email?
Benefits of writing a reconnecting email include staying top of mind, expanding your network, and re-establishing relationships that can lead to personal and professional benefits.
Time to hit send!
Hopefully, this article has helped you craft the perfect reconnecting email to that old acquaintance or potential client you’ve been meaning to get in touch with. Remember to keep it casual, genuine, and respectful in tone. We hope you found this article helpful, and we appreciate you taking the time to read it. Don’t forget to come back and visit us again for more tips and tricks on how to improve your communication skills. Best of luck with your email, and don’t forget to hit send!