Building Your Network: Outreach Templates

Stephanie Roulic
Nov 2, 2024
4 min read

This content is exclusive to Founder+ Only Members. To learn more about joining, click here.

As a founder, your time is incredibly limited. You're wearing multiple hats, juggling countless deadlines, and constantly learning on the job. So, when it comes to networking, you need strategies that get results without taking up too much of your time.

In our recent event, we shared actionable tips on how to network efficiently - watch the recording here. Below, you’ll find templates to help you follow up effectively, whether you’re connecting with people at events or reaching out on LinkedIn.

Targeted follow-up email after meeting

No Specific Ask Right Now

It was wonderful meeting you at [event name] [when - last night, this morning, etc]. I would love to keep in touch in case we can support one another in the future! If there is something I can do to support you, please feel free to reach out as well!

Pro tip: adding something specific that was mentioned in the meeting, if you recall, can make this feel more genuine - “I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discuss]”

You Know Your Ask

It was wonderful meeting you at [event name] [when - last night, this morning, etc]. I really enjoyed our conversation about [insert short 1 sentence here] and I’d love to continue where we left off. I’m currently looking for [specific ask: feedback, advice, etc.] and I think your expertise would be incredibly helpful. Would you be open to chatting? If so, happy to do some either virtually or in-person, just let me know what works best, and I can send over a few times!

Targeted email to cold outreach for informational meeting

LinkedIn: Connection Request Note, InMail or Direct Message

Template 1 - Asking for Feedback on an MVP: I’m working on a new startup and would love your input on [specific area of feedback]. I know your experience in [industry/area of expertise] could provide invaluable insights as we shape our MVP. Would you be open to offering some quick feedback? I’d really appreciate just 10-15 minutes of your time.

Template 2 - Asking for Guidance: I just launched a startup and am looking for guidance on [specific area you need help with]. I’ve been looking at your work in [industry/field] and your expertise seems to perfectly align with the challenges I’m facing. Would you be open to sharing just 15 minutes of your time? I’d love to learn from your expertise.

LinkedIn: In Response to Connection Request Accepted

Thank you so much for accepting my connection request! As I mentioned, I’m looking for [brief summary of your request, e.g., feedback on our MVP, guidance on X]. Would you be open to a quick chat to discuss this further? I’m happy to meet via Zoom or in person—whichever works best for you!

Email address

Template 1 - Asking for Feedback on MVP

Subject: Open to sharing your feedback about a startup I’m building?

Hi [Name] - really appreciate you opening this email! I’m working on a new startup and would really value your input on [specific area of feedback]. Given your experience in [industry/area of expertise], I believe your insights could be incredibly helpful as we shape our MVP.

Would you be open to offering some quick feedback? I’d greatly appreciate 10-15 minutes of your time to hear your thoughts.

Looking forward to hearing from you, and thank you in advance!

Template 2 - Asking for Guidance

Subject: Looking for advice on [topic]

Hi [Name] - really appreciate you opening this email! I recently launched a startup and am looking for advice on [specific area of feedback]. Given your experience in [industry/area of expertise], your expertise seems to align perfectly with the challenges I’m currently facing.

Would you be open to sharing just 15 minutes of your time for a quick chat? I’d love the chance to learn from your experience and insights.

Thank you so much for considering this, I look forward to hearing from you!

Pro tip: most will have their email listed on their LinkedIn profile, in their “contact info,” or you can use a tool, such as hunter.io, for free to locate their work email address

How to Facilitate Double-Opt In Introduction

A double-opt-in introduction occurs when:

Person A requests an introduction: Person A knows you’re connected to Person B and asks you to make an introduction.
You suggest the introduction: You’re chatting with Person A and realize that connecting them with Person B could be valuable. You offer to introduce them, and Person A agrees.

In both cases, Person A is typically the one who will benefit most from the introduction or is the person seeking it.

Before making the introduction, you need to check with Person B to ensure they are open to the introduction.

Here’s a template for reaching out to Person B:

Subject Line: Are you open to this introduction?

Hi [Person B],

I was recently chatting with [Person A] about [brief context on what you discussed], and it occurred to me that you would be a great person for them to connect with because of [mention Person B’s relevant background or expertise].

Would you be open to an introduction? If so, I’d love to connect you both!

If Person B agrees, you can then introduce them to Person A. Use the following template to facilitate the introduction:

You can either introduce them on the email thread you initially sent Person B OR send a new email, in which case, I’d suggest the subject line: NAME <> NAME (intro)

Hi [Person A],

I’m excited to introduce you to [Person B]! As I mentioned, [Person B’s background and why they’re a great connection].

[Person B], [Person A] is currently [reiterate the context you initially shared with Person B about why they’d benefit from connecting].

I’ll let Person A take it from here!

Takeaways:

Always have Person A (the one that has most to benefit) be the one who needs to own taking the relationship forward and scheduling the time
Hyperlink Person A and Person B’s name to their LinkedIn profile so they can