Write a Short, Warm Message
Eighteen easy tips to write a short, warm message, so people enjoy hearing from you.
Short and warm. Make it easy to answer.
26 tips that really help
These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), The Fine Art of the Follow-Up (Steve Gillman), Networking Like a Pro (Ivan Misner), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why short messages work
People are busy. A short, kind message gets read and answered, while long ones wait.
Keep short.
Start with their name
Names feel warm. Double check the spelling.
Check the name.
Say where you met
A quick reminder helps people place you. It also feels polite.
Remind them.
Add a real detail
Mention something from your chat. It proves you listened.
Add one.
Offer something useful
Share a link, a tip or a thank you. Giving first makes replies easier.
Offer one thing.
Ask one small question
Ask something simple such as, would you like to have a coffee? A small ask is easy.
Ask one.
End with thanks
Thank them for their time. Gratitude leaves a smile.
Say thanks.
Proofread before sending
Read it aloud once. Fix mistakes and unclear lines.
Read aloud.
Script: warm message
Hi Maya, it was lovely meeting you at the meetup. I enjoyed hearing about your painting. Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: offer
I will send you the article about design tools this week. Say it clearly.
Use it.
Script: ask
Would you like to meet for coffee next week? Say it lightly.
Use it.
Mistake: writing too much
Long messages get skipped, so be brief.
Cut it.
Mistake: using a cold template
People can tell, so add one personal detail.
Personalise it.
Troubleshoot: when you do not know what to say
Say thank you, one detail and one question. That is enough.
Use the formula.
Troubleshoot: when you worry about being annoying
A short, kind note is welcome, so send it.
Send it.
Drill: write a message in three minutes
Set a timer for three minutes and write a short follow-up note.
Write one.
Drill: save a template
Save a template with a hello, a detail, an offer and a thank you.
Save it.
Use a friendly greeting
Hello Maya, or Hi Maya. Match the tone of the event.
Pick a greeting.
Keep your subject line simple
Great to meet you at the design night. Clear subjects get opened.
Write a subject.
Use one paragraph only
Short messages feel easy. Keep a clear shape.
Keep one paragraph.
Sign with your name and a link
A profile link makes it easy to know more.
Add a link.
Example: the five-line note
Hi Maya, lovely to meet you at the design night. I enjoyed your story about travel. I will send the book title. Would you like to meet for coffee? Warm wishes, Sam.
Write one.
Example: the two-line note
Hi Alex, thanks for the chat. Hope your talk goes well.
Write yours.
Mistake: using too many exclamation marks
One or two is fine. Many look nervous.
Use fewer.
Troubleshoot: when you feel awkward writing
Read it aloud as if talking. Adjust the stiff parts.
Read aloud.
Drill: write a note and cut it in half
Write a note, then remove half the words.
Cut it.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“Hi Maya, it was lovely to meet you.”
“I enjoyed hearing about this.”
“I will send you that link.”
“Would you like to chat again?”
“Thank you for your time.”
“Warm wishes.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Start with their name
Say where you met
Add one detail
Offer something
Ask a small question
Say thanks
Proofread
Further reading
- Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
- The Fine Art of the Follow-Up (Steve Gillman)
- Networking Like a Pro (Ivan Misner)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Following Up After Events”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Sort Your New ContactsNext: Remind Them Where You Met →
- Follow Up Within Two Days
- Write Notes Before You Forget
- Sort Your New Contacts
- Write a Short, Warm Message
- Remind Them Where You Met
- Offer Something Useful
- Suggest a Coffee or a Call
- Connect on LinkedIn the Right Way
- Follow Up When They Do Not Reply
- Keep a Simple Tracking List
- Make Follow-Up a Weekly Habit
- Turn Contacts Into Allies
