How to Get a Response to Your Email When Asking for a Favor

Below are some great tips from Professor Adam Grant on making a successful email request:

1. Start with the right subject line. You’ll get a better response if it’s interesting and/or useful. Some samples: “Advice for a fellow X”, “Applying your techniques to Y”, “Can you help me give away $Z?”.
2. Connect the request to the recipient. Show you know the person’s work and how it has influenced you. Your odds of a positive response increase if the person sees how he or she can uniquely contribute.
3. Do your homework, and convey this knowledge. Don’t ask for something you can easily find the answer to.
4. Raise what you have in common, ideally something unusual. People bond when they share hard-to-find commonalities.
5. Ask clearly and succinctly. Don’t try people’s patience with long requests. Give clear direction on what you want, though sometimes it’s best to start a dialogue before you make the request. Use your judgment.
6. Don’t demand, and be grateful! Avoid phrases like “We should meet” or “Please answer this question.” People hate pressure, coercion, and obligation. They also hate it when they aren’t thanked for their help.