PTT: Emailing Out New Contact Info

Professional Tip Tuesday

Emailing your network to let them know of updated contact information.

I did it! I changed my email address. But after doing so, I had way too many questions about the best way to send a quick email to my network (I tend to over think things a bit..). I spent at least an hour trying to craft the perfect short note letting everyone know about my new email address. Then I finally got smart and reached out to a former advisor for some help..

So this week's Professional Tip Tuesday is how to write a quick note to inform your network of your changing contact information! 

And a special shout out to Amanda for the helpful information :)

I have already sort of touched on this in the long-winded post about Keeping In Touch but, I thought a simpler post on the changing contact Info could be beneficial as well!

Below is a "template" idea for what you might say in your email. Get creative

1) Opener - What's changing? When is it changing? Why is it changing? 

• "One week from today I will be moving to city to begin my career at company. I start my position with company as on start date as a position title."

2) Throw in a little gratitude.

• "I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had throughout college and I am excited for this new adventure."

3) Get down to business. 

• "My new mailing address will be: 

            Name

            Street Address

            City, State, Zip

            My new personal email will be: 

            email@domain.com

I will no longer be using my old email (the email I used today), oldemail@domain.com. Please add my new address to your contact list and delete the old one."

4) Add a little personality. 

• "Also I recently started a blog about my post-graduation adventures and my journey as a young professional. If you are interested in following me through my blog, here is the website: http://optimisticallyanna.blogspot.com."
• **In this part, give the reader a little something that ties it all together. My goal with including my blog was to stand out. This is your chance to give them something memorable or engaging that will encourage them to stay connected to you. 

5) The closer.

• "Thank you for your continued support and please stay in touch!

Warmly, 

Anna" 

So that is the format I used - based on my supervisor's helpful advice. There probably isn't a right or wrong way to do it so play around and just make sure to add your own personal pizazz! Since it's a mass email, you want to make it feel as personal as possible.

I think signatures are tough too. I tried to keep it extra friendly with the "Warmly, Anna". How do you personalize a professional email? Comment below!

PTT: Keeping in Touch

Professional Tip Tuesday

Keeping in touch with people in your network.

I thought this would be a good professional tip to start out with because this can be incredibly difficult! There are certain people that tend to have a natural knack for this sort of thing. Props to them - but it never seems as easy as they make it look. 

I think this is especially relevant as a recent grad. Even though you might be moving away or starting something new, those connections you made in college can be extremely important throughout your professional life!

Today I am just focusing on first steps for staying connected.

So today's tip... In the months following graduation, take a few minutes and write to any important contacts. 

1) Why are you writing? Figure out the main purpose of the message you intend to send out. 

• The first message is easy - your network is interested in what's up next for you! This also gives you the opportunity to update them on your changing contact information. 

**Figuring out why to write can be one of the hardest parts of staying connected. Some good opportunities to write include: new jobs, promotions, moving, or even just to tell them about a book or article they might enjoy! 

2) Who are you writing? Make a list of all the contacts you have had over the past few years. 

• This gives you the chance to make a solid list of anyone you plan to stay in touch with in the future. You might send a select few a more personal update, and the rest a more generic email blast (still consider making it somewhat personalized!). 

**This is a great time to go ahead and make a master document with all contacts. Maybe use an Excel spreadsheet and group them in a way that makes most sense. A good tip is to include a few columns that remind you when you last talked, what it concerned, and through what type of communication method. 

3) What to write? In addition to telling them what's next after graduation, what else do you include? 

• The message can be short and sweet. Ideally you want to make them feel connected to what you are doing next. Make them feel good! This could be as simple as thanking them for an opportunity that served as a stepping stone or complimenting a personal attribute that you admire (and how it has helped you in some way). 

4) How to write? Decide how you want to connect with them.

• LinkedIn or email could be the easiest way to send a quick update. BUT if you want to make it even more personal, consider sending a handwritten card. This is much more memorable and then you can include a business card or personal card with your email, phone number, address, etc. 

5) When to follow up? What should you expect after you have written?

• After you have written, you might receive a short message in return. But if you don't hear from them, do not get discouraged! The people you are networking with are probably busy professionals. They appreciate your update but may not get a chance to respond.
• Consider sending a very short reminder email the week before your old contact information is set to change. 
  i.e. "Hi Bill, I just wanted to send you a quick note to remind you that my contact information is officially changing next week. Below is my new email, phone number, and address. Looking forward to keeping in touch - hope all is well! Thanks, Anna"

**Reach out to your network when it is appropriate. For most general contacts, you might only talk to them 1-2 times a year. With closer contacts, it might be closer to 3-4 times a year. 

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Hope you found this Professional Tip Tuesday helpful! What techniques have you used to keep in touch? Comment below!