Networking: Email Subject Lines That Get Results

Someone You Were Referred to by a Mutual Contact

 “Referred by [Name] to discuss [Topic]”
 “[Name] Suggested I Contact You About [Topic/Project/Industry/Company]”

Someone Who Went To Your College/University/Program:

 “Fellow Trojan Interested in [Your Thoughts/Advice] on [Topic]”
 “Fellow Trojan Interested in [A Quick Chat / 15 Min Phone Call]”
 “Fellow Alum from [University] Interested in [Industry or Topic]”
 “Current VP of [Club] at USC Marshall Seeking your Thoughts on [Topic]”
 “Seeking to Connect to a Fellow Alum from [University]”

Someone Who Did Something Interesting

 “Your Recent [Article/Presentation/Post] Impressed Me”
 “Thank you for speaking at [Marshall Event]”
 “Follow up Question about Your [Presentation/Panel Discussion/Etc.] at [Marshall/the DOJ/the Trek]”
 “Interested in learning more about your recent [Article/Post/Presentation/Talk] on [Topic]”

Someone You Admire:

 “Aspiring [Industry or Function] Professional Looking for Expert Advice”
 “Looking for [Insight/Advice] from an Experienced [Industry] Professional like Yourself”
 “Questions from a Fan of your [Company/Article/Post/Blog]”
 “Completely Agree with Your Thoughts on [Topic]”

Someone at Your Desired Company:

 “Aspiring [Position] – Would love to Ask You a Couple Questions”
 “Fellow [Position/Function] Would Love to Ask You About [Company]”
 “Relocating to [City] in [Grad Year] – Would Love to Know More about Your Firm”

Someone with Similar Experience as You:

 “Professional with [Function/Title/Type of Experience] Interested in Your [Experience/Work History/Etc.]”
 “Member of [Professional Association] seeking a 15 Minute Call to Ask About [Topic]”
 “Fellow Member of [LinkedIn Group] Interested in Asking You about [Topic]”
 “Fellow [Insert Interest] Who’d Love to Connect Regarding [Topic]”

Someone with An MBA or MS Degree

 “Current [MBA / MS] Student Interested in [Topic]”

Someone You Need to Follow Up With

 “Loved our chat. Following up from [Place/Event/Meeting]”
 “Enjoyed our meeting at [Place], I’d love to reconnect about [Topic]”
 “It’s been [Time since Spoke last] since we spoke at [Place], Reaching Out to Reconnect!” (When it’s been months/years
since you met)

Examples:
“Referred by Pam Smith to discuss Brand Marketing”
“Question about FP&A, Pam Smith suggested I contact you”
“A Fellow WoW Gamer Who’d Love to Discuss Your Role at Blizzard”
“I’m an Aspiring Product Manager - Would love to ask you a couple questions”
“Thanks for the chat, Following up from the SF Tech Trek”