Have you ever had the urge to reconnect with someone from your past but didn’t know how to initiate the conversation? It can be a daunting task to reach out to someone after a long hiatus, but it’s not impossible. In fact, it can be quite simple if you know the right approach.
There is no one-size-fits-all method for reaching out to someone after a long time, but there are a few tips and tricks that can make the process smoother. To start, it’s important to be clear on your intentions and what you hope to achieve from reconnecting with this person.
Whether it’s to catch up on old times, ask for advice, or reignite a friendship, having a clear purpose will guide your email and make it more effective. Fortunately, there are plenty of examples online that you can use as a template and edit as needed to fit your situation.
The key to a successful email is to be genuine, personal, and concise. Keep it brief and to the point, while also sharing a little bit about yourself and why you want to reconnect. It’s also helpful to add in a specific request or question to keep the conversation flowing and show that you value their time.
So, if you’re feeling the urge to reconnect with someone from your past, don’t hesitate. With a little bit of intention, honesty, and the right approach, you can reach out and rekindle a meaningful connection.
The Best Structure for Reconnecting with Someone via Email
If you’re looking to reconnect with someone through email, it’s important to make your message clear and concise. Tim Ferris, entrepreneur and author of “The 4-Hour Work Week,” recommends the following structure for reconnecting via email:
Opening
The opening of your email should be brief and friendly. Start by addressing the person by name, and mentioning how long it’s been since you’ve last spoken. For example:
Hi [Name],
It’s been a while since we’ve touched base, hope all is well with you.
Context
Next, provide a brief context for why you’re reaching out. This could be related to something you connected on in the past, or something you’ve learned or accomplished since you last spoke. The key here is to make it personal and relevant to the person you’re reaching out to. For example:
I was just thinking about the time we grabbed coffee and chatted about our shared love for travel. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to explore several new countries and have some amazing experiences. I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to and if you have any new travel recommendations to share.
Ask
This is where you make your request or ask your question. However, it’s important to keep the ask small and specific. This could be asking for a quick phone call or meeting up for lunch. Avoid making vague asks like “let’s catch up sometime” or “could you help me with…”. For example:
Would you be available to chat for 15 minutes sometime this week or next? I’d love to hear more about your recent travels and what you’ve been up to professionally.
Closing
Finally, close your email on a friendly and positive note. Thank the person for their time and express your interest in keeping in touch. For example:
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this email, [Name]. It would be great to catch up soon and hear more about your recent adventures. Let me know if any of the times I mentioned work for you, or if you have a better suggestion.
Remember, the key to reconnecting with someone via email is to keep it personal, brief, specific, and friendly. By following this structure, you’ll increase your chances of getting a response and rekindling that relationship.
Email Templates to Reconnect with Someone
Reconnecting after a Long Time
Dear [Name],
It’s been a while since we last spoke, and I hope this email finds you well. I’ve been thinking about you and wondering how you’ve been doing. I would love to catch up and hear about your life since we last spoke.
Let’s schedule a call or meet up for coffee soon. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reconnecting for a Job Referral
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. I am reaching out because I am currently searching for a new job, and I remembered that you work for [company name]. I was wondering if you could help me with a referral or provide any insights on the application process.
If you have some time to chat, I would love to discuss further. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reconnecting after a Personal Argument
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I know we haven’t spoken in a while, and I wanted to reach out and apologize for the argument we had in the past. I value your friendship dearly, and I regret any negativity that may have come between us.
If you are open to it, I would love the opportunity to talk and reconcile. Please let me know if this is something you would be willing to consider.
Take care and stay safe,
[Your Name]
Reconnecting for Networking Purposes
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you doing well. I am currently building my professional network and was hoping to reconnect with you since I admire your work and expertise in the industry. If possible, I would love to catch up and hear about your current projects and initiatives.
If you have some time in the upcoming weeks, let’s set up a call or virtual coffee meeting. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reconnecting for Collaborative Opportunities
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you doing well. I have been thinking about possibly collaborating on a project together since we share similar interests and skill sets. If you are open to the idea, I would love to get together and brainstorm some potential ideas for collaboration.
If you are available, let’s schedule a time to chat and see how we can work together. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reconnecting with a Former Colleague
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to reach out and reconnect with you since we worked together at [company name]. I have fond memories of our time there and would love to know how you have been doing since then.
If possible, let’s schedule a time to catch up and hear about your current work and career path. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reconnecting for Personal Catch-Up
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I have been thinking about you and wondering how you have been doing since we last spoke. Life can get busy, and I know it has been some time, but I would love to have a catch-up call or meet-up for coffee if possible.
If you are free, let’s schedule something soon. I look forward to hearing from you.
Take care and stay safe,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing an Email to Reconnect with Someone
Whether you’re trying to reconnect with an old friend, former client, or colleague you haven’t spoken to in a while, crafting the perfect email can be tricky. You want to strike a comfortable balance between friendly and professional, while also being respectful of their time and current situation. Here are some tips to help you write an email that will get their attention and open the door to reconnecting:
Be Genuine
People can tell when you’re not being genuine, so don’t try to fake it. Start your email with a warm greeting that acknowledges the time that has passed since you last connected. Be honest about why you’re reaching out and what you hope to gain from renewing your relationship. If you’re genuinely interested in catching up with them, let that come through in your tone and language.
Keep it Concise
Most people these days receive countless emails every day, so it’s important to be respectful of their time. Keep your email short and to the point, focusing on the key message you’re trying to convey. Avoid going off on tangents or providing too much detail. If they’re interested in following up, they’ll ask for more information.
Personalize Your Message
People appreciate when you take the time to personalize your message, rather than sending out a generic template. Use their name in the greeting and refer to a shared experience or memory that you have from the past. If you’ve kept in touch with them on social media, reference something they’ve shared or talked about recently. The personal touch goes a long way in showing that you genuinely care about reconnecting.
Offer Something of Value
When reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, it’s important to offer something of value in exchange for their time. This could be as simple as asking them about their current projects and offering to provide feedback or help in some way. Or, if you have a product or service that you think could be relevant to their interests or needs, offer to set up a call or meeting to discuss further.
Be Professional in Your Closing
Even if you’re reconnecting with an old friend, it’s important to maintain a professional tone throughout your email. Thank them for their time and consideration, and let them know that you look forward to hearing back from them soon. You can also provide your contact information and encourage them to reach out if they have any questions or if you can be of further help in any way.
Keeping these tips in mind as you write your email will help you create a message that is both genuine and professional, and sets the stage for a successful reconnection.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Write an Email to Reconnect with Someone
What is the best way to start my email to reconnect with someone?
The best way to start your email is to show gratitude towards them and how much you appreciate their presence in your life. You can remind them of the common interests you share or the memories that you have together.
How can I address the person in the email?
You should use a semi-formal tone while addressing the person. You can use their first name with a salutation like “Hi” or “Hello.” If you are not sure about their preference, using their full name can also be a safe option.
What should I focus on in the body of the email?
The body of the email should be personal yet professional. You can share something about your current life and inquire about their recent activities without invading their privacy. Make sure that you convey your message clearly and avoid being repetitive.
Is it necessary to apologize for not being in touch?
You can apologize for not being in touch if you feel like it is required. However, it is not necessary to apologize if there was no specific reason for the lack of communication. Your email should be focused on reconnecting and not on excuses.
How can I end my email to make a lasting impression?
You should end your email with a positive and forward-looking tone. You can express your desire to stay in touch and ask for their availability to catch up or plan a meeting. Also, don’t forget to thank them for taking the time to read your email.
What are the common mistakes to avoid while writing this email?
You should avoid being too demanding or pushy while suggesting a meeting or catch up. It is also important to double-check the spellings and grammar of the email. Lastly, stay away from discussing controversial topics or bringing up past conflicts in the email.
How long should the email be?
Your email should be concise yet comprehensive and should not exceed 3-4 paragraphs. Avoid writing lengthy and detailed messages that may take too much time to read.
What can I do if I don’t receive a reply to my email?
You can give the person some time to respond to your email. If they don’t reply after a week, you can follow up with a polite reminder email. However, do not pressurize the person or send multiple emails as it may seem too desperate or intrusive.
What if I am nervous about writing this email?
It’s okay to feel nervous about writing this email. You can ask a trusted friend or family member to review your email before sending it. You can also take a break and come back with a fresh perspective. Remember, the goal is to reconnect with someone, and they will appreciate your effort.
Wrap it up!
Now that you know all the tips on how to write an email to reconnect with someone you’ve lost touch with, it’s time to take action. Don’t wait any longer, grab your keyboard and start crafting that message! Remember to keep it casual and friendly, and add a touch of personalization to it. And if you’re feeling a bit nervous, don’t worry, that’s normal. Just be yourself, and your old friend will surely appreciate it. Thanks for reading, and come back soon for more practical tips and life advice.