How To Introduce Yourself In Writing
Writing an email to a stranger is easy. Writing an email to a stranger that gets a response? Not so easy. The typical professional gets so many messages on a daily basis it's a feat if they even open yours -- let alone reply. Luckily, at HubSpot, we know a lot about effective emails. Here are our best tips for introducing yourself over email. Persuade your recipient to open your email with a compelling subject line. Piquing their curiosity is key; unlike a message from someone whose name they recognize, there's no guarantee they'll read yours unless it grabs their attention. Take a look at the subject lines that have convinced HubSpotters to click. And take a look at a few of the best subject lines we've seen here: Networking subject lines: Sales subject lines: Job search subject lines: It might be one word, but the greeting you opt for makes a difference. If you're emailing someone in a conservative industry, like finance or government, go with the traditional "Dear." If you're emailing someone in a more relaxed industry, such as tech, media, travel, or fashion, use "Hi," "Hello," or even "Hey." Picking a greeting they're familiar with shows you've done your research. As for the second part of the salutation: Their name. I recommend referring to them by first name. These days, that's the norm across industries. Steer clear of "[First name] [last name]", which sounds stilted and robotic, and "Mr./Mrs./Ms. [last name]", which makes you seem young. The opening line is one of the most important parts of an introduction email. Here's where you try to establish relevance. If you succeed, you give your recipient a reason to keep reading. Even though your first instinct is probably saying something about you -- such as "My name is X and I'm reaching out because …" -- this will quickly cause their eyes to glaze over. Here are some equally bad first sentences: Never highlight the fact you're a stranger -- it's like telling your recipient your email will probably be irrelevant. Instead, you want to lead with something about them. After all, most people like talking about themselves more than any other topic. HubSpotters loved these openers: Want more inspiration for your salutation? Check out these email opening lines and greetings that put "Hi, my name is" to shame. Now that you've stimulated their interest and genuinely complimented them, it's time to connect the dots. For example, let's say you're hoping to set up a networking meeting so you can learn more about their role (and potentially get a job referral). If your first line is "You've done an impressive job at [company] building [X strategy] and revamping [Y program]", your second line might be, "I'm considering a career in [person's field] and would love to buy you coffee so I can learn more about it from an expert." Or perhaps your goal is booking a sales call. Your first line might be "I see you host several campus events per year," and your second could be "I work with companies like Facebook and Google to help promote their college recruitment events." The key is making your explanation as relevant to your recipient as possible. You want them to feel special -- not like one person on a list of 100 that you're emailing. And always make sure you're writing sales emails prospect's actually want to read using this five-step process. Before you ask for anything, you need to provide value. Thanks to the principle of reciprocity, receiving value makes people want to return the favor. In Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Dr. Robert B. Cialdini describes a study in which an unknowing test subject received a can of soda from the researcher. The soda cost $0.50. Later, the same researcher asked the participant to buy $5 worth of raffle tickets. Agreement rates were much higher than for participants who didn't get any soda. A thoughtful, authentic compliment can definitely provide value, so if you've already said something nice in your first few lines, you don't necessarily need to do more. However, it doesn't hurt to go a little further. Here are some ideas: The final piece of the puzzle? Your call-to-action (CTA). Remove as much friction from your ask as possible; if you want them to meet with you, for example, provide a link to your meetings tool so they can instantly see when you're both available and book a time. Or if you want them to review a post you've written, include the attachment so they can immediately read it. Take a look at these sample lines: Try to strike a balance between polite and confident. Phrases like, "I know you're busy, but …", "I'd normally never ask, however …", "You probably don't have time, so …", "It would mean the world to me …" and "I'll be forever in your debt if …" make you seem desperate -- and suggest your recipient would be massively inconveniencing themselves by saying yes. Because you're reaching out to a stranger, your request shouldn't be that excessive or unreasonable. If it is, that's a completely separate issue. Don't hurt your chances of a "yes" by sounding insecure. No need to write anything more. The best emails are short, sweet, and concise. After all, extra information or unnecessary details lessen the probability your recipient will actually read the email -- they'll be too put off by its length. You also run the risk of distracting them from what actually matters. With that in mind, say "thanks," "thank you," or "thanks so much" (depending on the size of your request), and add your name. Looking for more sign off ideas? Try one of these powerful email closing lines that'll intrigue your recipients and prompt responses. If you send this incredible introduction email and the unthinkable happens (i.e., they don't respond) send a follow-up email they won't be able to ignore. Here are a few things to try: Want more tips on great follow up? Here's a guide to sending a follow-up email after no response. Now that you have all the building blocks, let's see each section in action working together as a full introduction email. 40% Growth in 3 months -- wow Hello Elena, I'm inspired by the work you've done in customer success, not to mention your unique career path. I saw your recent article on managing surges in support tickets and had to reach out. I've helped companies like yours easily manage accelerated support tickets, which has contributed toward as much as 40% growth in as few as three months -- this case study illustrates how. If you're interested in learning how to implement some of these strategies in your team, I'd love to share more. Here's a link to my calendar [insert link]. Thank you, Caroline Maybe you just started a new job or joined a different team, and you need to introduce yourself to a group of people. Use this template to create your email introduction. Hello enterprise sales team Hi all, I'm the new sales director for the enterprise sales team. I wanted to take a moment to say an official hello. The work you've done and the numbers you've hit have been key factors in our successful year. And I'm thrilled to work with you more closely over the coming months. In the future weeks, I'll be reaching out to everyone so I can meet you all and say hello. Should you have any questions or concerns during this time, don't hesitate to reach out to me directly -- my door's always open. Looking forward to working with you all. Thank you, Katrina "By way of introduction" is a common phrase just as commonly misused. When introducing a new topic, person, or idea, you would say, "By way of introduction ..." and include examples or anecdotes to give your new subject context. For example, "Our next guest will be Aja Frost, by way of introduction, I'd like to share a few of Aja's accomplishments with you." "By way of introduction" is a phrase that can be used when introducing a new person. And below we'll take a look at the best way to introduce others via email. If you have a contact who would benefit from connecting with a friend or colleague of yours, use this template to introduce them via email. Include reasoning for the introduction and make sure the connection will be valuable for both individuals. Introduction -- Kelly Davis and Rob Cortez Hi Kelly, Please meet Rob Cortez, a manager for our top-performing, mid-market sales team. He previously managed sales operations at a tech startup, [Company Name], and has insight into new sales ops technology. He's interested in our sales operations and would love to learn more. Kelly is a senior manager on the sales operations team and she's reviewing the tools and software the team's using for the next year. I've copied Rob on this email so you can connect about sales operations and technology -- and I'll let you two take it from here. Best, Valentina Sure, you might spend hours polishing your resume and cover letter for a job -- but do you give the submission email any love before hitting send? When recruiters are sorting through applications, you want to do everything you can to stand out. The first step is sending a thoughtful introduction email. Don't write a novel, but do write a friendly and professional "Hello" note. In the example below, I state the reason for my email, share no more than one sentence explaining why I'd be a good fit for the role, and offer to provide more information upon request. It's concise and gives my application a little extra shine. Meg Whitton -- Candidate for SDR Hello Sara, I'm pleased to share my resume and cover letter for the position of Sales Development Representative at SpotHub. I'm confident my background as a BDR for Sales-R-Us has equipped me to succeed in this position, and I'm excited to submit my application. If I can provide you with any further materials to illustrate my fit for this role, please don't hesitate to reach out. I appreciate your time. Regards, Getting a response from a CEO or executive is tough. But your introduction can make all the difference. Remember a few things when crafting your email. First, make your ask gentle and advice-driven. Executives are great with people and usually love helping others. Open your email with a request for information or advice, instead of a request to sell. Another great tip: compose your email to them on your phone. Executives are busy and often check emails while they're on the go. Compose your email on the phone, to make sure you're providing them with a good reader experience. And don't forget to put your email signature to work. Have time for rebrand geek? Hello Amber, I noticed you recently unveiled a shiny, new rebrand for BlueHouse Designs. It looks fantastic, congratulations! My name is Amy, and I'm interested in learning more about what drives executive teams to determine it's time to rebrand. Would you have time for a 15-minute phone call to walk me through your decision to rebrand? Regards, Amy Polish Never underestimate the gatekeeper. Set yourself apart by offering to help them before you help yourself. In the example below, Liz provides value to the gatekeeper and explains that she wants to "earn" the introduction to Tom's boss. Can I make your week easier? Hi Tom, I know you likely get a lot of email from salespeople trying to get through to your boss. I'm no different -- except that I want to earn the right to be passed along to Amber. My name is Liz, and I help companies like yours decrease hiring time by up to 25%. So, that marketing coordinator your team is currently hiring? I can get a top candidate in that role faster. Have I earned a few minutes with Amber? If so, feel free to book time on my calendar, here: [Insert calendar link] If not, I've got more up my sleeve. Regards, The email you send to a former colleague making an introduction on a contact's behalf is going to have a different tone than an email sent to a LinkedIn connection you're hoping to convert into a customer. When sending an introductory email to a professional contact (such as a LinkedIn connection), you want to ensure you state how you are connected, and why you're contacting them. As you are first approaching a new contact, keep your email concise so they can quickly decide if and how to respond. You'll want to provide just enough information to prompt next steps. For example, if you want to reach out to someone you are familiar with from LinkedIn, here's a seamless introduction. Love your LinkedIn content Hi Jerry, My name is Meghan, and I'm a sales enablement specialist at XYZ company. I have loved following the insightful pieces you share on LinkedIn. Since we connected last summer, I have implemented several of the strategies you've shared through your content and have seen excellent results. Our company has recently conducted ground-breaking sales enablement research that could be an excellent addition to your content. Do you have time to hop on a brief call next week to discuss? Regards, Meghan Brown When sending a casual email to a previous contact you are getting back in touch with, or for an informational meeting, your message can have a more relaxed tone. Here's an example: Connecting brilliant minds Hi Jesse, I hope your new position with Salt and Co. is treating you well! You are surely missed on our team. I would like to introduce you to Shannon, the new account manager who backfilled your role. She is interested in pursuing the sales enablement specialist certification program you completed last year. I've copied Shannon on this email so you can connect and discuss the program. You two can take it from here. Regards, Rachel Bass Introduction emails don't have to be awkward or unreliable. Follow this formula, and your introduction emails will go over like a charm. And if you're looking for more email tips, check out these less pushy alternatives to "As Soon As Possible" next. ![Download Now: 25 Proven Sales Email Templates [Free Access]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/be67aa79-8dbe-4938-8256-fdf195247a9c.png)
How to Introduce Yourself in an Email
1. Write a compelling subject line.
2. Tailor your greeting to the industry and situation.
3. Make your first line about them.
4. Explain why you're reaching out.
5. Provide value for them.
6. Include a call-to-action.
7. Say "thanks" and sign off.
8. Follow up with them.
Introduction Email Template
How to Introduce Yourself as a Personal Referral
How to Introduce Yourself to a Group or Business
By Way of Introduction
How to Introduce Someone via Email
How to Introduce Yourself to a Recruiter/Hiring Manager
Meg Whitton How to Introduce Yourself to an Executive
[Company name]
[Company tagline]
[Website link] How to Introduce Yourself to a Gatekeeper
Liz Prater How to Distinguish Between a Professional and Casual Introduction
Originally published Jan 27, 2020 6:15:00 PM, updated July 15 2021
How To Introduce Yourself In Writing
Source: https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/how-to-introduce-yourself-over-email
Posted by: marshallknowded.blogspot.com
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