Lead with a genuine reason for writing, such as their news, a shared memory, or something useful, and acknowledge the time that has passed in one light sentence. Keep the first message short and do not ask for a favor until the conversation is going again.
Draft for David
Follow-upHi David, great talking at Illuminate. You mentioned Q1 planning is the priority, so I put together a short overview of how a pilot could fit. Worth 15 minutes next week?
Based on
Your notes from Illuminate and the last email you sent
It is normal for good relationships to go quiet. Reaching out after a year can feel awkward, but most people are glad to hear from someone they liked working with. The trick is a real reason to write and a message that asks for nothing at first. These templates cover the common reasons to reconnect.
Template 1
Use when: They have news, such as a new role or a launch.
Subject: Congratulations on [news]
Hi [first name], I just saw the news about [new role, launch, or milestone]. Congratulations! It is great to see after everything you put into [shared project or past work]. It has been too long. I would love to hear how it is going if you ever have time for a call. Best, [Your name]
Template 2
Use when: Something reminded you of them.
Subject: This made me think of you
Hi [first name], I was [what reminded you] today and it brought back [shared memory]. I realized it has been about a year since we last caught up. How are things at [their company]? I would love to hear what you are working on. Best, [Your name]
Template 3
Use when: You found something relevant to their work.
Subject: [Resource] you might find useful
Hi [first name], It has been a while! I came across [resource] and immediately thought of the [project or challenge] you were working on when we last spoke. No need to reply. Just thought it might help. Best, [Your name]
Template 4
Use when: You worked together a year or more ago.
Subject: Checking in on [project]
Hi [first name], It has been about a year since we wrapped up [project]. I have been wondering how [result or next phase] turned out. If there is anything I can help with as you plan [what comes next], I would be glad to. Best, [Your name]
Template 5
Use when: There is no special reason, and you just want to reconnect.
Subject: It has been too long
Hi [first name], I realized we have not talked since [last time or place], and I have missed our conversations about [shared topic]. No agenda. Would you be up for a coffee or a call in the next few weeks? Best, [Your name]
A new job, a promotion, a launch, or a funding announcement is the most natural reason to get back in touch.
Reconnect well before you need a favor, so the relationship is warm again when you do.
An anniversary of a project, a reunion, or an event you both attend gives you an easy opening.
No. Most people are happy to hear from someone they enjoyed working with. A specific reason and a warm, short message keep it natural.
In one light sentence, such as "It has been too long". Long apologies make the message about the gap instead of the relationship.
Not in the first message. Rebuild the conversation first; when you do need help later, the request will feel natural.
That is fine. People are busy. Try again when there is a new reason, such as their news, and keep the message just as short.
Set a reminder to check in every few months. In Genify you can add a dated reminder to the contact, with notes on what you talked about last time.
People
David Knox
Brightline
Jack Princeton
Harbor Equity
Megan Shay
Genify
Ben Harper
College friend
Sarah Lee
Northwind Labs
Anita Ayedun
Orion Capital
Categorize relationships your way.
David Knox
Head of Growth, Brightline
AI insights
A good way to open
Brightline just opened an Austin office. Ask how that changes the team's Q1 plans.
Background
Leads growth at Brightline. Spoke at Illuminate on growth for B2B data tools.
Company news
Brightline expands to Austin
Auto-generated briefs and icebreakers.
Scan cards, save what you talked about by voice, and get a follow-up draft that references the conversation, so these templates write themselves.
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