Your clients just made new contacts at a networking event. How should they follow up effectively?
When your clients make new contacts at a networking event, timely and thoughtful follow-up is essential to cement those connections. Here's how they can do it effectively:
- Send a personalized email: Mention specific details from your conversation to show genuine interest.
- Connect on LinkedIn: Add a brief note reminding them of your meeting to make the connection more meaningful.
- Schedule a follow-up meeting: Propose a coffee or virtual chat to discuss potential collaborations.
What strategies have worked best for you in following up after networking events?
Your clients just made new contacts at a networking event. How should they follow up effectively?
When your clients make new contacts at a networking event, timely and thoughtful follow-up is essential to cement those connections. Here's how they can do it effectively:
- Send a personalized email: Mention specific details from your conversation to show genuine interest.
- Connect on LinkedIn: Add a brief note reminding them of your meeting to make the connection more meaningful.
- Schedule a follow-up meeting: Propose a coffee or virtual chat to discuss potential collaborations.
What strategies have worked best for you in following up after networking events?
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After a networking event, I recommend reaching out within 24-48 hours to keep the momentum going. Keep your message personal—remind them where you met and mention something specific you talked about. This shows you're genuinely interested, not just sending a generic follow-up. I suggest keeping it friendly and light, while also hinting at ways you might collaborate or help each other. If appropriate, share an article, resource, or insight that might be valuable to them. It’s about showing you’re not just collecting contacts, but truly invested in building relationships. Trust me, a thoughtful, unique follow-up can turn a brief conversation into a strong, lasting connection!
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Many years ago I attended an art gallery event in the Lower East Side, it was a welcome change from the traditional networking where I could take part in one of the things I love to do - enjoy the arts. If I made a business connection - even better. It turned out to be a memorable fun experience. The art inspired me, the conversation was lively, it was the perfect setting for small talk while observing different masterpieces. I met a woman I enjoyed talking to. She gave me a business card. A few days later I gave her a call. I still remember her surprise. Her response was: "I'm so surprised, I honestly don't expect anyone to actually call." 2 words of advice: Follow up. Personalize w/ an old-fashioned phone call, because no one ever does.
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Be genuine, authentic, and patient in your approach. Bring value to the conversation for now only how they can help you butalso how you can help them! The truth about networking is that not everyone is going to want to connect back to have conversations wit you. You have to let it go and move on.
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Follow-up via email or LinkedIn in a timely fashion, but don’t be too eager. Make sure your communication has a point and drives further interaction.
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The real power of networking happens in the follow-up. Here are 5 tips to turn brief chats into lasting professional relationships: 1. Send a Personalized Message – Within 24-48 hours, send a message referencing your conversation to show genuine interest. 2. Make Meaningful LinkedIn Connections – Skip generic requests. Instead, remind them who you are and how will you add value. 3. Offer Value Without Asking – Share an article, introduce them to a relevant contact, or send a resource they’d appreciate. 4. Suggest a Follow-Up Meeting – If collaboration seems possible, invite them to continue the conversation over a coffee! 5. Stay Engaged Consistently – Comment on their updates, and share industry news to keep the relationship alive.
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