In business, one of the first things people notice about you is how you write an email. The first thing that people notice about an email? The subject.
Danny Rubin, email expert and author of "Wait, How Do I Write This Email?" tells CNBC Make It that the key to the perfect email subject is name-dropping.
"The secret to a strong networking subject line? First and last names," says Rubin. "When possible, the title of the email must contain the names of people relevant to your message." By flagging who you are and how they know you, you improve your email's chances of getting read, he says.
"When you use a name you have in common, it makes the recipient much more likely to open your email and respond," explains Rubin. "Suddenly, your message is not spam, random or unfamiliar. Because you prove you know people in common or already met once before, you create a level of trust."
Fostering a credible relationship is not only essential for convincing someone to open your email, but also for convincing them to respond how you want them to.
For example, if you are trying to network with an individual you have never met before, be sure to explain why they should meet you and what your connection is. Try, "Friend of Roger Mullins, hope to connect over coffee," or "Colleague of Richard Guzman, ideas for your marketing strategy."
If you are reaching out about a role that you hope to apply for, feel free to include that information if the subject. Rubin suggests: "Co-worker of Shirley Applegate, interested in sales position."
When emailing someone who has a particularly busy schedule, try to include as much context as possible. "Reference a specific place or event where you two connected," says Rubin. By explaining where you met right off the bat, you increase the chances of your email getting opened and you remind the receiver of how terrific you were when you first met.
For instance, if you write something like, "Keisha Summers, freelancer you met at the business roundtable," then you are reminding your connection who you are and how you met.
The subject of an important work email is not the time to be humble or coy. "Drop names/locations and make the connection right away," says Rubin. By dropping names, explaining who you are, and providing as much context as possible, you can make sure that your emails are always read, responded to and respected.
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