Here's how you can effectively follow up with new contacts after networking events.

Following up after a networking event is crucial to maintaining the connection. I like to send a personalized email within 24 to 48 hours, it helps keep the conversation alive. Reference something specific from your discussion to jog their memory, and keep the tone friendly yet professional. It’s a great opportunity to thank them for their time and suggest connecting again if it makes sense. A personalized message shows you’re genuinely interested, and it helps you stand out from the usual crowd of follow-ups.

Following up with new contacts after networking events starts with a timely and personalized initial email. Begin by expressing appreciation for the opportunity to connect and reference something memorable from your conversation. Keep the tone professional and friendly, and reiterate your interest in staying in touch or exploring mutual opportunities. Provide your contact details and, if relevant, suggest a next step like a follow-up call or meeting. Keep the message concise while emphasizing how the connection could be beneficial for both parties.

A personalized follow-up email within a day or two can make a significant impact. Reference a topic you discussed or a shared interest. This will jog their memory and show that you value the conversation. Keep it warm, concise, and professional. This is going to take your relationship-building to the next level!

Having been to a bunch of networking events, I always try to connect with people in a way that they'll remember me later. Instead of just making small talk, I dive into meaningful conversations by asking about their work and interests. It helps me find common ground and makes them open up more. I'd keep it casual and short Hi There, It was great meeting you at xyz. I really enjoyed our chat about a topic (you discussed about). Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I found it really valuable. I came across this article/Blog/Book on the topic we discussed and thought you might find it interesting. I’d love to continue our discussion. Also, I’d like to connect on LinkedIn to keep the conversation going

Be upfront about your intentions—whether you’re seeking advice, job opportunities, or collaboration. This shows respect for their time and helps them understand how they can help you. It’s all about creating a win-win right from the start!

When following up after a networking event, it’s important to make the connection personal and memorable. One strategy I love is having 1-3 go-to questions that anyone can answer, but that still spark meaningful conversations. For example, asking, “What’s your favorite travel destination?” are easy for people to answer. But you can take it a step further with a more specific question like, “What’s your best and worst travel experience?” or “What daily habit helps you the most?” These questions help build a personal connection, making it easier to follow up later by referencing something unique from your conversation. Keep refining your list of questions—it’s a great way to stay memorable and create authentic relationships!

After meeting new contacts at networking events, it’s key to be clear about your intentions when following up. Whether you're seeking advice, exploring potential partnerships, or simply staying connected, being upfront helps them understand how they can best support you. It also shows you value their time.

Its important to keep in mind that someone is going to invest their time and energy to read your email/Messages and you need to respect that and stop beating around the bush and be straight. Start with what you want, like “I need your advice on .....” Clearly say what you hope to achieve—insights, job, Business leads or collabs etc Use questions like What do you think about Particular point?” Say how much time you need, Can we do a quick 20-minute call? Let them know you value their expertise and are open to their suggestions.

When setting expectations, be mindful of the potential power dynamics in the relationship. If you're reaching out to someone in a more senior position, express your admiration for their work and how you hope to learn from their experience. If you're connecting with someone on a more equal level, emphasize shared interests or goals. This approach demonstrates your awareness of social dynamics and your ability to navigate different professional relationships.

When following up, think about what you can offer in return—like sharing a relevant article, providing a business lead, or offering your expertise. This shows you're interested in a mutually beneficial relationship, not just asking for a favor. By giving value, you set a positive tone and showcase your resourcefulness and willingness to collaborate.

Based on your conversation, circle back to a something that resonated with you or an exciting project they are working on. I like making a warm connection for them to someone I know that is beneficial for both parties.

Following up after a networking event is most effective when you provide something of real value. Whether it's sharing a resource, introducing a helpful contact, or offering your insights, it signals that you’re invested in a reciprocal relationship rather than just seeking personal gain. This builds trust and highlights your commitment to nurturing authentic, mutually rewarding connections.

Following up after networking events is all about offering value. As a leadership coach, I’ve seen the impact of building meaningful connections by focusing on what you can provide to others. Whether it’s sharing a resource, offering insights, or connecting them with someone in your network, showing genuine interest in their success builds trust. This approach sets you apart and strengthens the relationship over time. Keep the follow-up concise, personal, and valuable to ensure the connection grows beyond the initial meeting.

If you come across articles, tools, or insights related to their interests or challenges, pass them along. It shows you’re thinking about their needs. If you have expertise in a certain area then let them know you’re happy to help with any projects or challenges they might be facing. If you know someone in your network who could benefit them, offer to make an introduction. It’s a great way to show you’re invested in their success. After your initial conversation, follow up with additional information or insights that might help them, based on what you discussed. Show a genuine interest in their work and challenges. Sometimes, just being a good listener or offering encouragement can add significant value.

Following up after a networking event works best when your message is brief and to the point. Rather than overwhelming someone with lengthy details, focus on delivering your key points with clarity. If further discussion is needed, simply suggest a call or meeting. This not only shows you respect their time but also highlights your ability to communicate efficiently, which is a vital leadership trait.

Brevity is your best friend. No one wants to wade through a wall of text. Keep your email to three or four sentences, max. Something like, “It was great meeting you at [event]. I really enjoyed our chat about [topic]. Let’s grab coffee soon.” Then, add value in a single sentence if possible. Show that you respect their time—a quality every good leader knows how to leverage effectively.

Mantener las comunicaciones de seguimiento breves y directas es clave para mostrar respeto por el tiempo del destinatario, una cualidad muy valorada en entornos profesionales. La claridad y concisión no solo facilitan la comprensión, sino que también generan una impresión de eficiencia y organización. En un mundo lleno de información, las personas tienden a evitar correos largos y complicados. Proponer una reunión o llamada para discutir detalles adicionales es una estrategia inteligente que demuestra consideración y permite un diálogo más enfocado. Al adoptar este enfoque, no solo transmites profesionalismo, sino que también refuerzas tu capacidad para liderar con eficacia y respeto por los demás.

While brevity is important, also consider the complexity of the topic. If the subject matter is particularly nuanced or requires more context, be prepared to provide additional details upon request. This shows that you're not afraid to delve deeper when necessary and that you're committed to providing thorough and accurate information.

Keep follow-up messages brief and focused. Long-winded emails often go unread, so it’s important to convey your main points quickly and clearly. In my experience, the shorter the better—just ensure the message remains meaningful. If further discussion is required, suggest a meeting or call. This shows you value their time and are capable of clear, efficient communication, which are key traits of effective leadership.

Os cart?es de visita ficaram no passado, e hoje o que realmente importa é a autenticidade nas intera??es. E para isso, o primeiro passo é fazer o follow-up estratégico. Uma mensagem mencionando algum detalhe da conversa é uma maneira eficaz de demonstrar interesse genuíno e fortalecer sua presen?a. E n?o para por aí: ser proativo é essencial! Compartilhe conteúdos relevantes, mantenha a comunica??o fluida e, quando a oportunidade surgir, sugira encontros informais, como um café ou almo?o, que podem gerar conversas mais profundas e pessoais. Lembre-se: o timing certo faz toda a diferen?a!

Engage on Social Media: Actively comment on their posts to show support and keep the connection alive. Set Reminders: Schedule regular check-ins to maintain the relationship and stay updated on their journey. Share Relevant Content: Send them interesting articles that align with their interests to add value to the connection. Celebrate Their Achievements: Congratulate them on milestones or successes to show you care about their progress. Invite Them to Events: Reach out to invite them to relevant webinars or networking events to strengthen your bond. Ask for Their Insights: Seek their opinion on industry trends to engage them in meaningful conversations.

If you don’t have a genuine interest in the other person’s business or personal pursuits, it’s better not to follow up at all! Sending a random email after the first encounter won’t lead anywhere. Make sure there is some commonality of interests; it doesn’t necessarily have to be work-related. ?? Follow them on social media ?? Share opinions and comments about your mutual interests ?? Follow up offline whenever the occasion arises In 2024, that’s the most effective way to create meaningful connections.

“Your network is your net worth. The connections you make today can open doors to opportunities tomorrow.” Effective ways for following up with new contacts after networking events: Personalized Follow-Up: Send a personalized email or message within 24-48 hours, referencing your conversation to show genuine interest. Connect on LinkedIn: Add them on LinkedIn with a brief note about where you met and a reminder of your discussion. Share Valuable Content: Send articles, reports, or insights relevant to their interests or industry. Schedule a Follow-Up Meeting: Propose a coffee chat or virtual meeting to explore mutual interests further. Stay Consistent: Regularly engage with their posts on social media and provide thoughtful comments.

Following up once isn’t enough. Add them to your LinkedIn, send a quick message on their birthday, or comment on something they posted. But keep it natural—this isn’t a sales pitch! Regular, genuine interaction keeps you on their radar without being overbearing. Think of this like watering a plant: a little attention now and then leads to growth.

For me, it starts before attending the event. I make it a goal to develop 5 meaningful relationships, try to research the organizers & find the influencers in the group. Throughout the event, I focus on getting to know people and being interested instead of interesting. I write down notes using google keep to remember important information from each individual. After the event, I message a few people & send out Linkedin invites if we didn't connect already. The next day, I set aside a time in the morning to connect & follow up with any other contacts. Then the key, is to stay in touch, book a call or set a new time to meet. Hope this helps someone!

If you promised to send information or make an introduction during your initial conversation, following through is essential. Trust and reliability are crucial to leadership, and failing to deliver can harm both your reputation and the relationship. By fulfilling your promises, you solidify yourself as a credible and dependable professional—someone who not only builds connections but sustains them over time.

When following through on promises, go the extra mile. Provide additional context or resources that might be helpful to the recipient. This shows that you're not just fulfilling your obligation but are genuinely invested in the relationship's success. It also demonstrates your leadership quality of being diligent and attentive to detail.

Nothing says “unreliable” like a broken promise. If you suggest a meeting, send the invite. If you offer an article, actually share it. Leaders are defined by their follow-through; it’s the difference between talking the talk and walking the walk. CEOs know that their word is their bond, and consistent follow-through is the foundation of trust and respect.