40

Networking
Scripts For PhDs
40
Networking
Scripts For PhDs
Scripts For Online Networking
Here are some guidelines when creating scripts:

1. Keep it to 100 words or less, which will make it more likely to be read, and shows
business etiquette, and manners as everyone is busy.
2. Never ask someone for a job in an email, it is likely to get a 0% response rate.
3. Avoid talking about yourself and never start a script with I am a PhD in X at Prestigious
University
4. Offer value it does not have to be work related, in fact the less work related it is
the better e.g. Saw that you are a Packers fan/Manchester fan, they had a great
season, did you see that game when X did X? Its not rude to talk about these
types of casual things. The real strategy is to build a long-term mutually beneficial
relationship, therefore if you dont include these personal tid-bits, there is a feeling
that the person lacks business etiquette So lean into the conversation by talking to
people about things unrelated to business. i.e. see the person behind the title.
5. Make it easy for others to help you. Be clear.
6. Polish your LinkedIn profile before networking, as it will work against you otherwise.
Once polished, you will present yourself as credible and your networking response
rate will increase.

1
Contents
Requesting an Informational Interview
With a Cold Contact............................................................3-5
With a Known Contact........................................................6-7

Following-Up
After an Informational Interview.......................................8
After an Industry Interview.................................................9-11
With a Recruiter....................................................................12-13
After a Rejection...................................................................14
During Negotiations............................................................15

Building Rapport.........................................................16-17
Requesting an Introduction..............................18

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 Networking Scripts
Requesting an Informational Interview
With a Cold Contact

Hi [Professional Name],
I read your paper on [topic] and was really impressed with your take on [topic]. Your thoughts
on [specific topic] intrigued me, particularly since Im looking to enter this field myself. I would
appreciate your take on things. Are you available to chat over coffee next week?
Let me know what day and time works for you to meet.
Thank you sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
I found your profile on LinkedIn and saw that we are both alumni of [school name]. Would
you be interested in sharing your thoughts on working at [company name]? Im sure you have
some great insight into the industry with your experience and I would love to discuss it with
you.
Are you available for a brief call sometime next week? Let me know which day works best for
you and Ill call you then.
Thank you sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
I read your paper on [topic] and was really impressed with your take on [topic]. Your thoughts
on [specific topic] intrigued me, particularly since Im looking to enter this field myself. I would
appreciate your take on things. Are you available to chat briefly by phone sometime this week?
Let me know what day and time works for you and I will be available.
Thank you sincerely,
[Your Name]

3
 Networking Scripts
Requesting an Informational Interview
With a Cold Contact

Dear [Name],
I hope you do not mind me taking the initiative to contact you but I have noticed that you
work for [company] and hold [title] job. I am currently exploring my career options and, if
you wouldnt mind me asking what is a typical day for you with this role? I would value your
opinion.
Thank you in advance for your assistance
[Your Name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
I attended your talk at [location] last week and really enjoyed listening to your views on [topic].
I was particularly fascinated with your thoughts on [specific topic and points made during the
talk] and would love to discuss this further with you, as Im also in the [field name] field and
would like to get your opinion on some other aspects of this topic.
Would you be willing to answer a few questions over the phone? I can call you whenever it is
most convenient for you.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
I came across your website while searching for [topic] and was very impressed with your insights
on [specific topic]. I also noticed that you work for [company name] as [industry position].
As a fellow graduate who is currently interviewing for a similar position, I would value your
thoughts on the position.
Would you mind having a 10-15 minute phone call and possibly sharing your experiences in
[industry] position?
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]

4
 Networking Scripts
Requesting an Informational Interview
With a Cold Contact

Hi [Professional Name],
Our mutual friend, [friends name] gave me your contact information. He/she mentioned that
you are working on [industry project] and struggling with [issue]. Ive come across similar issues
in the past and may be able to offer some insight into the problem. [Explain experience]
Would you be interested discussing some possible solutions over the phone next week? Let
me know when would be the best time to call and I will get in touch.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Network Contact],
[Mutual friend name] suggested I get in touch with you regarding your role in [industry]. Im
about to graduate and have been interviewing for positions, but would really appreciate some
advice from someone who understands how the process works.
Would you be interested in getting some coffee later this week and discussing your views on
[industry]? If that would be acceptable for you, please let me know when you are available
and I can meet you near your office.
Thank you kindly,
[Your Name]

5
 Networking Scripts
Requesting an Informational Interview
With a Known Contact

Hi [Professional Name],
I hope you are doing well. I heard about your recent [promotion/other achievement] and
thought I would congratulate you. I recently applied for a similar position with [company
name] and would love to discuss it with you to get your thoughts on the matter. Would you
be interested in getting together for a coffee this week? I can come to you to make it easier,
as I know youre busy.
Let me know when would be a good time to meet and we can set something up.
I look forward to hearing from you,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
We spoke a few months ago at [event/location] about [industry] positions. You had some
excellent suggestions and I just wanted to thank you for your help.
Recently, I came across a [position] role with [company] and from what I recall from our chat,
this is very similar to your job description at [company name]. Would you be interested in
sharing some of your insights on the role? If not, no problem I just wanted to touch base
with you. Thank you again for all your help.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
It was wonderful to meet you at [event name] yesterday. I loved your insights on [topic], thank
you for your advice. You mentioned that you had experience with [X] and I would love to
continue that conversation as I would value your advice on [X].
I look forward to speaking with you again. Let me know when would work best for you and I
will give you a call. I promise to keep it brief.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]

6
 Networking Scripts
Requesting an Informational Interview
With a Known Contact

Hi [Professional Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me during [event]. I really enjoyed hearing
more about your company, as well as [personal tidbit]. Your thoughts on [topic] were very
interesting and I would love to discuss them further with you.
Would you be willing to meet for coffee or perhaps lunch? I can come to you.
It was a pleasure to meet you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
I was recently talking to [mutual friend] and he mentioned that you hold the [position] role at
[company name]. Im very interested in learning more about your experience in this role and
would value your advice.
Would you be interested in chatting briefly by phone to talk about your experience as a [position]?
I am free most evening, but I am flexible, so please suggest some times that might work for
you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
I enjoyed talking with you at [event name] and wanted to touch base. Your views on [discussed
topic] were particularly interesting and really got me thinking. It would be great to get together
and further discuss things, as I am looking for a [position type] position with a company similar
to yours. Your feedback would be very useful.
Are you available for lunch this week? Im flexible and can work around your schedule if you
let me know which day is best for you.
Thank you,
[Your Name]

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 Networking Scripts
Requesting an Informational Interview
With a Known Contact

Hi [Professional Name],
We ran into each other at [mutual friends name]s [event] last weekend and you mentioned that
you are with [company name]. You had some excellent insights into the industry, particularly
on [specific topic] and I would love to continue our conversation if possible.
Are you available next week? Perhaps we could meet over lunch near your workplace? Im
quite flexible, so please let me know when would be best for you and Ill meet you there.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
It was a real pleasure to meet you last week and to discuss your research into [subject]. You
have some great insights into the process and I enjoyed talking with you. During our discussion,
you mentioned that youve been in the position of [position] for [time period]. As someone
who is currently seeking a similar position, I found your thoughts on the matter refreshing.
Would you be interested in meeting over lunch sometime next week to continue the discussion?
Let me know which day works best for you and I will be there.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
Congratulations on your recent promotion. How are you enjoying the new position?
I wanted to touch base since we havent talked in a while and see if you are available next week
for coffee. It would be great to catch up and Id like to know all about your new position at
[company name].
I look forward to talking with you again,
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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 Networking Scripts
Requesting an Informational Interview
With a Known Contact

Hi [Professional Name],
My name is [Your Name]. We met last weekend at [event name] in [event location] and discussed
[topic].
You mentioned that you work with [company name] and as Im in the process of finding a
similar position, I was particularly interested in your thoughts on it. We didnt have much time
to discuss things, so would you be open to meeting over lunch? I would really enjoy hearing
your thoughts on [topic] and the latest [industry news].
I realize you are very busy, so let me know which day works best for you and I can come to
you.
Regards,
[Your name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
Im sure you get quite a bit of mail, so I will keep this brief. You gave me your business card at
[event] on [date] and I wanted to follow up on it. You indicated that you work in [industry] and
had some excellent thoughts on [industry position].
I wonder if you might be willing to share more of your experience with me? I can give you a
call next [day], or at your convenience, if youre available. Let me know what time would work
for you and I will get in touch.
Regards,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Network Contact],
It was good to speak with you on the phone yesterday. You had some excellent insights on
[industry] and I would like to continue the discussion, if youre interested.
Would you be available to have lunch and perhaps provide some feedback on the industry? I
can be available from Monday to Thursday next week.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

9
 Networking Scripts
Requesting an Informational Interview
With a Known Contact

Hi [Network Contact],
We met at [event] back in [month] and I was fascinated by your role at [company name]. I
noticed that youve recently [achievement] and wanted to congratulate you on your success.
At the moment, Im interviewing for [industry position] positions, which I understand you know
quite a bit about. Would it be possible to meet up later this week and discuss it over coffee? I
would really value your insight.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

10
 Networking Scripts
Following-Up
After an Informational Interview

Hi [Professional Name],
Thank you for meeting with me today. It was great to discuss [topic] with you. I really appreciated
the insight you provided and will be [action to take] just as you suggested. Ill be sure to let you
know what happens and please let me know if I can repay the favor in any way.
Thanks again for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Network Contact],
Im just sending a quick note to thank you for connecting with me today. It was wonderful to
discover how much we have in common, particularly regarding [industry] and plans for the
future.
Discussing [position] with you today reaffirmed my enthusiasm for the position and I wanted
to thank you for sending my resume to [hiring manager]. Should you need help with anything
I am more than happy to call you or vice versa.
Regards,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
Lunch yesterday was excellent and I wanted to say thank you for taking the time out of your
busy schedule to meet with me. [Insert something specific from the conversation that was
valuable].
You mentioned that you know [professional name] from [company name]. Would you be
interested in arranging a meet-up between the three of us or referring me to them via email?
Your insights yesterday were wonderful and I would like to expand on that, if possible.
Thanks again for all your help.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

11
 Networking Scripts
Following-Up
After an Informational Interview

Hi [Network Contact],
I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate you connecting me with [company name].
You have been a tremendous help throughout the process and I hope we can continue our
relationship in the future, regardless of the outcome.
Please feel free to contact me if you need any other information or to update me on the hiring
process.
Thank you sincerely,
[Your Name]

12
 Networking Scripts
Following-Up
After an Industry Interview

Hi [Hiring Manager],
Thank you for your time today. I was excited to learn more about your team at [company
name]. I wanted to reach out and see if theres anything else you need from me. Please feel
free to contact me with any information regarding the hiring process or if you have any other
questions that I can answer.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Hiring Manager],
I hope all is well. I know how busy you probably are, but I recently applied to the [position title]
position, and wanted to check in on your decision timeline. I am excited about the opportunity
to join [company name] and help [bring in new clients / develop world-class content / anything
else awesome you would be doing] with your team.
Please let me know if it would be helpful for me to provide any additional information as you
move on to the next stage in the hiring process.
I look forward to hearing from you,
[Your Name]
REFERENCE: https://www.themuse.com/advice/we-wrote-9-awesome-email-templates-
so-you-dont-have-to

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Hi [Interviewer Name],
I just wanted to thank you for the interview today. I enjoyed meeting with you and learning
more about [company name]. It was wonderful to discover that were on the same track and I
look forward to working with your team in the future.
Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information or to advise me on the next
step of the hiring process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

13
 Networking Scripts
Following-Up
After an Industry Interview

Hi [Interviewer Name],
It was great to connect with you today. Thank you for taking the time to talk.
During the interview, you mentioned that [company name] has been having issues with
[company problem]. On the way home, I was thinking about this and wanted to share a couple
of potential solutions that came to me. Ive included them below.
[potential solutions]
Thank you for your time. Please consider me a resource and let me know if I can help out in
any way.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for taking the time for the interview yesterday. It was a great experience and I enjoyed
learning even more about [company name] and your team. Your insights on [topic mentioned
in interview] were enlightening and I really look forward to discussing them more in the future.
If you need any further information, please feel free to contact me.
Regards,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Interviewer Name],
I just wanted to reach out and see if you need any additional information and to let you know
that I appreciate you taking the time to discuss [position title] with me. [Company name] is
exactly what everyone in my position dreams of finding and I look forward to learning more
about your team in the future, regardless of the outcome.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]

14
 Networking Scripts
Following-Up
After an Industry Interview

Hi [Interviewer Name],
I came in for an interview last week and just wanted to follow up. It was exciting to learn about
[Company name]s plans for the future and to discover that we are on the same page with our
ideals.
Since the meeting, Ive spent some time researching [skill/topic], which you mentioned during
the interview. Its been fascinating and Ive learned [what youve learned]. Im looking forward
to discussing it further with you.
Let me know if I can be of any service.
Thank you sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Interviewer Name],
I just wanted to follow up on our meeting on [date] and let you know that it was a pleasure to
meet you and hear about your team. It really seems that were on the same path, with similar
goals and I look forward to an opportunity to join your team. If theres anything further I can
assist with dont hesitate to let me know.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for meeting with me last week, I appreciated the opportunity to present my work
and resume to you.
I just read the [media release] on [company name]s new [product, breakthrough, etc.] and
wanted to congratulate your team. There are some excellent ideas working on the project, as
evidenced by the companys recent success.
Should you require any other information from me, please let me know.
Regards,
[Your Name]

15
 Networking Scripts
Following-Up
After an Industry Interview

Hi [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for the opportunity for the meeting we had last week. [Company name] has some
excellent qualities and I am particularly impressed with the progress made in [area of progress],
and look forward to assisting your team in driving their business goals.
If you have any further questions for me or if you have any further information on my application,
please dont hesitate to call.
Thank you sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Interviewer Name],
Thank you so much for meeting with me today. It was such a pleasure to learn more about
the team and position, and Im very excited about the opportunity to join [company name] and
help [bring in new clients / develop world-class content / anything else awesome you would
be doing] with your team.
I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps in the hiring process, and please do
not hesitate to contact me if I can provide additional information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

16
 Networking Scripts
Following-Up
With a Recruiter

Hi [Professional Name],
It was wonderful to meet you at [event name] yesterday. I loved your insights on [topic], thank
you for your advice. You mentioned that you were looking for someone for [position] in the
[location] area. I would love to continue that conversation and discuss the possibility of working
with each other. Would you be interested in chatting next week?
I look forward to speaking with you again. Let me know when would work best for you and I
will give you a call.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi [Professional Name],
We spoke a few months ago at [event/location] about [industry] positions. You had some
excellent suggestions and I just wanted to thank you for your help.
Recently, I came across a [position] role with [company] that seems to be something you are
working on placing a candidate for. I would be interested in learning more about the role and
the company. Would you be available for a chat this week about this role or similar roles you
have? Thank you again for all your help.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Recruiter Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to interview with [company name]. It was exciting to interact
with a company that is so aligned with my own goals and I wanted to express my appreciation
for your role in this meeting. It went very well and I look forward to working with the company
in the future.
If you have any questions or further information on the hiring process, please dont hesitate
to call me.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]

17
 Networking Scripts
Following-Up
With a Recruiter

Hi [Recruiter Name],
Im just sending a quick note to thank you for connecting with me today. It was wonderful to
discover how [topic of discussion], particularly regarding [industry] and plans for the future.
Discussing [industry] with you today reaffirmed my enthusiasm for the position and I look
forward to being considered for a place on the team. Should you need help with anything or
simply wish to discuss the next steps in the hiring process, I am more than happy to call you
or vice versa.
Regards,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Recruiter Name],
Thank you for connecting me with [hiring manager] and facilitating my progress with my
application with [company name]. I certainly appreciate everything you did to make the interview
and hiring process run smoothly.
I would like to stay in touch, if possible and look forward to more interesting conversations
about [industry]. Your insights are always welcome.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Recruiter Name],
It was great to connect with you today and to learn more about [company name] and what
they are looking for in an ideal candidate. As promised here are the additional documents you
requested. I look forward to hearing what the next step is for applying to this position.
If there is anything else you need from me or if you have any further questions, please dont
hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
[Your Name]

18
 Networking Scripts
Following-Up
With a Recruiter

Hi [Recruiter Name],
Thank you for meeting with me yesterday. Your commitment to finding the right person for the
position with [company name] is admirable. You mentioned that your team is struggling with
[problem] and Ive been giving it some thought since we talked. I wanted to share a possible
solution that I [found/read about/came up with]:
[your proposed solution]
I hope you find this useful. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.
Regards,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Recruiter Name],
I understand [company name]s decision not to hire me and I just wanted to thank you for your
help. You were a wonderful resource throughout the entire interview process and it was much
appreciated.
Are you at liberty to discuss my candidacy? Your feedback would be tremendously helpful in
improving my professional profile for future interviews.
Thank you for your time, I appreciate the help.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Dear [Recruiters Name],

I really enjoyed talking with you on the phone about XYZ company (and/or ABC position). I am
very impressed with your agency and believe I am exactly the type of candidate you and XYZ
company (and/or ABC position) are seeking.
Im looking forward to talking again soon. Have a great day.
[Your Name]
P.S. What is the best way to set up an informational interview with XYZ company (and/or ABC
position)?
Reference: Niki Biel

19
 Networking Scripts
Following-Up
With a Recruiter

Dear [Recruiters Name],

I hope you dont mind me taking the initiative to contact you, but I am very interested in XYZ
company (and/or ABC job).
Ive done my research and am impressed with your knowledge of the job market I am targeting.
I believe that I would be a good fit for XYZ company (and/or ABC job) and would like to talk
briefly with you about the next best steps.
I look forward to talking soon. Have a great day.
[Your Name]
P.S. When might you be available for a short phone call?
Reference: Niki Biel

20
 Networking Scripts
Following-Up
After a Rejection

Hi [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for letting me know that your company has decided to go with another candidate.
I appreciate being kept in the loop and would still like to be considered for a position, should
your team have a space open up in the future. [Company name]s values and direction are very
much in line with my own and it would be an honor to work with you.
Please let me know if I can be of further service to you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

21
 Networking Scripts
Following-Up
During Negotiations

Hi [Human Resource Staff]

Again, I am very excited about the opportunity to join Company X. I think it is a great fit for both
of us and Im looking forward to using my background to help strengthen the job projects at
Area/Department X. In reviewing your offer letter, I really appreciate the offer at $X, however
with my experience and the median Position X salary in the Area Of Country X of around $X
(20% higher than they offered you) I was expecting an offer in this range. As a compromise
would you consider a salary of $X (15% higher than offered) for the position?
I believe my experience in X will be a great contribution to Company X and I look forward to
hitting the ground running once we have the contract finalized. Thank you again for the offer
you have extended.
Adapted from: https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-follow-up-on-a-job-application-
an-email-template

22
 Networking Scripts
Building Rapport

Hi [Professional Name],
I just wanted to reach out and let you know how much I appreciated reading [paper/book,
etc. title]. Your views on [topic] were eye opening, particularly your thoughts on [specific topic
from paper]. It certainly got me thinking and Ive been researching more on the topic since I
read it.
I thought to ask you if you have any further [paper/book] on the topic, as I would be highly
interested in reading more about your work.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]

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Hi [Professional Name],
It was wonderful to meet you at [event name] yesterday. I loved your insights on [topic], thank
you for your advice. You mentioned that you were looking for [X] in the [location] area. I recently
had experience with [X] and found it to be very good, I would be happy to put you in touch if
you like? No problem, if you got another referral, but thought to offer my assistance.
I look forward to keeping in touch.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]

23
 Networking Scripts
Requesting an Introduction

Subject Line:
Introduction to [target name] for [1-2 words describing purpose]

Body text:
Hi [Name],
I hope all is well with you. As you know, Ive been [context: looking for a new job, raising capital,
working in sales at XYZ company]. I noticed that youre connected to [target name] and was
hoping that you could introduce us for [reason] if you feel comfortable doing so.
Ive included an easy-to-copy blurb below, to provide context, but let me know if theres any
other information I can provide. I appreciate your help!
[Your name]

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Subject Line:
Introduction to [target name] for [1-2 words describing purpose]

Body text:
Hi [Name1] and [Name2],
Thank you [Name1] for the kind introduction, it is most appreciated. [Name2] its lovely to
e-meet you. [Name1] mentioned that you were the X of X and might have some valuable
advice on X. It got me thinking about X and whether you are able to spare 5 minutes to discuss
your experience with X. I would certainly value your advice on it.
I am in the [timezone] and can be free from 3pm most days if that would suit you? I look forward
to speaking with you, and thank you in advance.
[Your Name]

24