Networking events can be a goldmine for making new connections, but the real treasure lies in the follow-up. The art of networking follow-up is all about turning a brief encounter into a lasting relationship. By taking notes, personalizing your messages, and suggesting a next step, you can build valuable connections that can help you grow both personally and professionally. So, let’s dive in and master the art of networking follow-up.
Take Notes
During the event, take notes on the people you meet, their interests, and any commonalities you share. This information will be useful when you follow up with them.
Connect on Social Media
Reach out to your new connections on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. It will help you stay in touch and maintain your relationship.
Personalize Your Message
When it comes to follow-up messages, a little personalization can go a long way. You don’t want to be the generic “nice meeting you” message lost in someone’s inbox. Instead, bring up something specific that you talked about at the event or a shared interest to show that you were paying attention during your conversation. This demonstrates that you value the connection and care enough to put in the effort to make the message meaningful. Plus, who doesn’t love feeling like they made a memorable impression? So, get creative and make your follow-up message stand out from the rest!
Suggest a Next Step
Suggest a next step, such as meeting up for coffee, attending another event together, or introducing them to someone in your network. This shows you’re invested in the relationship and willing to take action. When you take action to add value to another person’s life, you’ll stay on top of their minds and show you are committed to the cause.
Be Consistent
Don’t let the relationship fizzle out after one follow-up message. Keep in touch with your new connection on a regular basis, whether it’s through social media, email, or in-person meetings. Setting a reminder on your calendar will be a great way to ensure consistency in the process.
