Tips for Keeping in Touch With Contacts

Want to know how networking got me leads worth ₹3,00,000? Here’s the thing: Networking is not about collecting connections like Pokémon cards. It’s about the follow-up. At TechSparks, I didn’t just shake hands and walk away. I followed up strategically, and here’s what made all the difference: 1. Personalized follow-up: A generic “nice to meet you” email? Nope. Each follow-up was tailored, referencing our conversation, shared interests, or how we could potentially collaborate. That made it personal and valuable for them, not just me. 2. Timing is key: Don’t wait for days or weeks. I reached out within 24 hours of meeting them. It showed I was serious about keeping the conversation going—and that I valued their time. 3. Be clear on the value you offer: I didn’t just follow up for the sake of it. I made it clear why continuing the conversation would benefit them, whether it was insights I could share or ways we could collaborate. 4. Stay consistent: One follow-up is great, but I didn’t stop there. I stayed in touch, continued the conversation, and nurtured those relationships over time. The result? 7 quality calls and leads worth ₹3,00,000—all because I didn’t let those connections go cold. Here’s the truth: Not every contact you make is going to convert into cash overnight. But the ones you nurture with genuine intent will strengthen your network and, eventually, your opportunities. Every email, every DM, every touchpoint is an investment in your future success. Pro tip: Follow up like you’re building a relationship, not closing a sale. That’s how you create value for both sides. 💡 If you want to know how I consistently turn networking into real business growth, let’s connect and talk about how I can help you do the same.

“I’ve met a lot of great people during my internship, but how do I actually stay in touch with them?” Here are 7 simple ways to keep those relationships alive. But first, let's be clear — you do NOT need to stay in touch with everyone you meet. Focus on the people who added the most value to you and who you genuinely want to stay in touch with. ("Value" is subjective — it can be anyone whose advice, example, or thoughts inspired you.) — 1.  Ask for a second conversation The simplest, most direct approach. If you found value in the first conversation, let them know and ask if they’d be open to staying in touch: “I really appreciated our conversation — would love to reconnect down the line once I’ve made progress on [X]. Would that be okay?” This sets the tone for an ongoing relationship instead of a one-off exchange. — 2. Send a thank you after your internship If someone helped you during your internship, send a thank-you message before you leave. Make it specific: “Thanks again for all your support on [X] this summer, Jamie. Your advice on [Y] helped me a lot — I’ll definitely carry it with me going forward!” Gratitude builds goodwill and reinforces the connection. — 3. Action item updates During your conversation, ask what they'd recommend you do to grow in your field. This could be a podcast, a person to connect with, a skill to build, etc. Then do it. Afterward, send a quick update: “Hi Rob! Thanks again for the recommendation to [do X] — I just got done and gained a lot from it. Here's what I learned...” This simple note shows follow-through and keeps the relationship active. — 4. Share a relevant resource If you come across an article, podcast, or another resource that might be relevant to them, send it. "Hi Sally! I came across this [resource] this morning and thought it might be useful. See below. Hope it's helpful!" A low-effort, thoughtful way to engage. — 5. Engage with their content If they post content, a simple like or a thoughtful comment keeps you on their radar without the need to send a full DM or email. These are smart, light touch points in between your other communications. — 6. Send an update or a question Every so often, reach out with purposeful updates or questions related to something you've previously discussed. "Hi Ed! Last time we spoke, you recommended I take a course on Organizational Behavior. I just wrapped up the semester and loved the course! Are there other relevant courses you think I should look into?" — 7. Celebrate their wins If they announce a promotion, launch a project, or speak at an event, send a quick message: “Congrats on the promotion, Mel! I know you'll do well in the new role.” It shows you’re paying attention and rooting for them. — PS. Staying in touch is not just about constant messages or grand actions. Even light check-ins (done well) can lead to long-term professional relationships.

I landed back in Los Angeles after a 4-day legal convention in Vegas and realized something: People are great at networking in the moment, but struggle to follow-up and keep relationships after an event like a major convention. To make sure all of the connections you made are sustained long-term, here's a step-by-step guide to effectively follow up post-convention: 📝 Personalized Note Writing: Always begin with a personalized note. Thank your new contacts for their time and highlight specific topics or moments you shared. A handwritten note can make a deep impression in today's digital world, signaling thoughtfulness and genuine interest. 📲 Organize Contact Details: Compile a database of the addresses, emails, and other contact details you've gathered. Tools like Microsoft Excel or CRM platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot can be great for this. This not only helps with immediate follow-up but aids in long-term relationship management. 🤳🏻 Engage on Social Media:   Connect with your new contacts on platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, IG, Facebook and TikTok. Engage with their posts to foster online rapport, but ensure your interactions are meaningful. 📩 Newsletters:   If you have a newsletter, consider adding your new contacts to the mailing list (with their consent). This keeps them updated on your activities, insights, and the latest happenings in the legal field. 🔄 Share Your Work: If you've written books, articles, or other publications, share them. It not only positions you as an expert but provides value to your contacts. ✅ Regular Check-ins:   Set reminders to touch base periodically. You could share relevant articles, wish them on holidays, or update them about significant milestones in your career. 👏🏼 Tips and Insights: Offer helpful tips or insights from the convention or from your experience. It’s a non-invasive way to remind them of the value you bring to the table. 🤝 Long-Term Relationship Building Relationships are not about transactions but genuine connections. Ensure your interactions are not always business-focused. Learn about their interests, congratulate them on personal achievements, and be there during challenging times. 📚 Recommend Books: If you've come across insightful books (including ones you've written), recommend them. It's a subtle way to showcase your expertise and share knowledge. 🎉 Events and Reunions: Consider organizing or attending reunion events for convention attendees. It's a way to rekindle connections and stay updated on each other’s progress. Remember: post-convention networking is an art. It requires genuine interest, persistence, and patience. By investing time and effort into nurturing these relationships, you'll not only grow your network but also enrich your professional journey. Remember, it's not about how many contacts you have, but the depth and quality of those connections. #networking #lawyer #success #relationshipbuilding

The #1 mistake I see in client relationships? (It took me years to learn this) Confusing contact with connection. Most professionals think staying “top of mind” means constant contact. So they: ❌ Send generic check-ins. ❌ Ask for meetings without clear value. ❌ Share the same articles everyone else does. Then wonder why response rates keep dropping. 20+ years in client relationships has taught me: The best way to stay memorable? Show up as someone who genuinely cares about them  (and their success). Instead of asking: ❌ “How do I stay visible?” Ask: ✅ “How do I show I care?” Here are my favorite 6 ways to show you care: 1. Spot Opportunities They Might Miss ↳ Share competitor moves and market shifts before  they hear it elsewhere. 2. Be Their Connector ↳ Introduce them to people who can help them grow. 3. Offer Insights They Can Use Immediately ↳ Send relevant research they can apply right now. 4. Celebrate Their Successes ↳ Spotlight their wins like they’re your own. 5. Invite Them Into Your World ↳ Include them in events and conversations that matter. 6. Check In With a Personal Touch ↳ Reach out with no agenda, just genuine care. Here’s the truth: Most people only show up when they want something. Top performers show up because they genuinely care. Because they know when someone’s ready to buy, they don’t research who’s available. They call those who’ve already proven they care. Agree? Disagree? I’d love to hear your take on it in the comments below. ♻️ Valuable? Repost to help someone in your network. 📌 Follow Mo Bunnell for client-growth strategies that don’t feel like selling. Want the full cheat sheet? Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/e3qRVJRf 

Great question from a student yesterday: "You seem to know a lot of people. You are a busy person. How do you possibly keep/stay in touch?" It was a question that caught me by surprise. To be honest, I don't think of myself as particularly good at staying in touch. I don't have some complicated spreadsheet/CRM where I make sure to check in with people on a set cadence (although that works for many). I don't really have time for coffees/lunches that I wish I did. But it works for me. Here are 6 approaches I use: 1. Be Generous. Help others without any expectation for anything in return. It is not always easy. I sometimes say no. But if I can find a way to say yes when someone asks for help I try to make it happen. And even if I don't *expect* anything in return, I often receive it back 10x when I least expect, years later, and in ways I never could have imagined. 2. Constantly Make Connections. I make connections between contacts wherever I can. This has gotten much harder as my professional network has grown. I get tons of in-bound asks for help here on LinkedIn and some I have to ignore and others I have to decline. But at least for my immediate network including my students the best thing I can often provide is not advice but advice about who to ask next. ***On this point, I have a STRICT double-opt-in policy. I never make a connection without asking both sides separately making clear that they can and should say no.*** 3. Don't Let Time Apart Imply Lack of Relationship. I try not to think that just because I haven't spoken with someone in a long time means that we are no longer friends/contacts. We met once? That means that we had a connection that I can rekindle as needed (and others can/should do the same). Honestly, most times people who haven't heard from you in a while are delighted to hear from you. 4. Anytime I Think of Someone, I Tell Them. Read an article that makes you think of someone? E-mail it to them. Hear about a success they had on social media? Text them. Something exciting happen? Share. This little 30-second habit is an absolute game changer. Make it the default. 5. Don't Ask for Favors, Ask for Advice. People hate granting favors and love giving advice. If you ask for a favor, you'll get advice. If you ask for advice, you'll often get a favor (see #1). 6. Build a Community, Not a Network. "Networking" has a bad reputation and for good reason. It feels clubby and pushy and transactional. Think instead about building your community. BONUS: Internet Friends are Real Friends. Building connections IRL is so much stronger and more rewarding. Never stop doing that. BUT some of my best professional contacts are folks I have not met in person. But we have shared interests in ways that are deeper and more profound than people who I see in my day-to-day life. I can keep in touch with a comment, a like, and maybe even eventually a text or a Zoom call. All of this count and relatively low effort, high reward. Other ideas?

Today I heard "Immediate follow up is easy. But how do I maintain connections long-term?" That’s where most of us struggle. We start so thoughtful, but then life gets busy, priorities shift, and before we know it, those once-promising connections start slipping through the cracks. So how can you keep your connections warm and meaningful over the long run without feeling awkward or forced? Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way: 1️⃣ Engage regularly (without spamming). Make it a habit to interact with your connections’ posts. Add meaningful comments - beyond just “Great post!” Start conversations by referencing their work, asking a question, or offering new perspectives. 2️⃣ Share value through DMs. If someone doesn’t post often, send them useful articles, podcast recommendations, or other resources you think they would enjoy. A quick, “This reminded me of our conversation” can make a lasting impression. 3️⃣ Be a connector. Introduce your contacts to others in your network. Helping people meet the right people strengthens your relationships and your reputation as someone who adds value. 4️⃣ Check in spontaneously. You don’t need an excuse to reconnect. Just drop a message: “I was thinking about our chat the other day. How’s everything going?” It keeps the relationship fresh without feeling transactional. And is very easy - so no more excuses! 💡 Bonus: If you’re managing multiple professional relationships, set calendar reminders to check in periodically. (Out of sight, out of mind is real!) The key is to show up consistently but thoughtfully. Your network doesn’t need to be big - just well-tended. How do you keep your professional connections alive over time? Let's help each other in the comments! 👇 #NetworkingTips #RelationshipBuilding #LongTermConnections #CareerGrowth #LinkedInTips #OnlineConnection #Networking #TEDxSpeaker

How do you stay in touch with recruiters whose inboxes are overflowing? Working with recruiters can be a powerful part of your job search. The right recruiter will advocate for you with hiring managers you can’t access. When you're in the job search, I understand the temptation to follow up your unanswered email with a LinkedIn DM, asking if they've seen your email. But with no context, all you're doing is adding to the noise. And recruiters are overwhelmed at the moment. You need to understand how to meet them where they are. So I asked my friends in recruitment how candidates can build relationships with them, in a helpful way that will help them be remembered when it matters. Here's some of the feedback: 🤷🏻♀️ Most messages were vague and generic - ie 'keep me in mind', with no compelling evidence that they were a good match for the role. ✅ The best emails are in response to a specific role. They provide a short, bullet-point intro: Who you are; what you're looking for; a couple of your most impressive achievements (keep it brief); and your CV and LinkedIn URL. 📞 Some recruiters prefer email, others prefer to stay in touch by phone. Very few want LinkedIn DMs, and most don’t have time to chase voicemails. Ask them how they want you to stay in touch - and respect their boundaries. 📡 Stay gently on their radar. Comment on their LinkedIn posts. Pay it forward with connections or insights. Attend their events. Or use email if you have a significant update to share with them. Be proactive, not pushy. Don't take silence personally. The specialist recruiters in the comms industry are small businesses, spinning plates. They are paid by their clients to fill the job by finding the best possible fit. You might not make today's shortlist, but that doesn't mean never. Do you have any tips for working with recruiters? 👇🍿

Most people tell you to network, but they don’t teach you how. Here’s what you can do: 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: Before attending, study the event's attendee list and identify 2-3 people you want to meet. This focused approach can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve recently done this myself at a TED event. 🔹 Adopt a Giving Mindset: Offer to share your expertise or resources. For example, if someone is working on a project you have experience with, volunteer to provide insights or introduce them to someone who can help. This shows you're invested in their success. 🔹 Research Smartly: Look into their recent projects or publications. If your contact has recently published a paper or given a talk, read it and mention specific points you found intriguing or valuable. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. 🔹 Make the First Move: Send a message acknowledging a challenge they mentioned in a public forum or LinkedIn comment. For example: "Hi [Name], I saw your post about the challenges of remote team management. I've faced similar issues and found that regular virtual coffee breaks helped. Would love to share more if you're interested. Best, [Your Name]" 🔹 Build a Habit: Set a weekly reminder to engage with your network on social media. This could be liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from your contacts. Regular engagement keeps you top of mind and builds a foundation for deeper connections. Tomorrow’s newsletter is packed with actionable insights to turn casual contacts into valuable connections. ➡ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eE-aFmFy 💜 Career Well-being is the best work-life newsletter, according to my readers! Join us! #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #careerbutterfly #CareerWellbeing