First Contact:  Write An E-Mail That Gets Noticed

When you decide to make contact with someone whose profile looks interesting the next step is to write an e-mail that gets noticed.  You want your message to be appealing enough for the recipient to answer back.  So how do you increase the chances of making that happen?

Keep it simple

There is no need to send a lengthy e-mail when making first contact, and in fact, a long dissertation will probably do more harm than good.  Opt instead for something simple and straightforward that lets the other person know you are interested in getting to know him or her better.

Show that you pay attention

What was it that made the profile stand out or seem interesting to you?  Put that in the first e-mail because it shows that you actually read the profile and were paying attention to what was in it.

Keep a level head

When you are trying hard to get someone’s attention, it is easy to try a little too hard.  If you try to be overly casual you may come across as boring or dull; however if you try to be too enthusiastic you may come across as too pushy or insincere.  It is better to strike a balance somewhere in the middle.  If you are not sure you have found that balance, read the message aloud – if it sounds natural and conversational then you are doing well.

The greeting is important

Open the e-mail in a way that is personal.  A generic greeting like ‘hey!’ or ‘hi there!’ is not nearly as individual as ‘hello bob132’ or ‘hello nicelady333’.  It may seem strange to put their screen name in the greeting when normally you would use a real name, but since you do not know their real name the screen name is the next best thing.

Open a discussion

Use a discussion opener that relates to something in the person’s profile.  For example, if he or she noted that “Star Wars” is their favorite movie, you might say something like “I love Star Wars too, but I think the original three movies were better than the latest ones.  What do you think?”  This shows that you have something in common but also invites a reply.

Clichés are the kiss of death

Okay, so we used a cliché there ourselves, but only to prove a point.  An e-mail filled with clichés shows a lack of creativity on your part, and in some cases comes across as obnoxious or insincere.  So ‘cut to the chase’, ‘get it in gear’, and ‘make the most of the situation’!