Here's how you can master the art of following up with contacts post video production networking events.

1 Craft Emails

Crafting a personalized follow-up email is your first step toward cementing a new connection. Reference specific conversations you had, showing that you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the other person's work. Keep your tone warm, yet professional, and be clear about why you're reaching out. Perhaps you discussed a potential collaboration or shared interest in a particular aspect of video production. Mentioning these details will remind your contact of who you are and why your connection could be mutually beneficial.

3 Offer Value

When you follow up, always aim to offer something of value. This could be a piece of interesting industry news, a potential lead, or an introduction to another professional in your network. By providing value, you demonstrate that you're not just interested in what you can gain from the relationship but are also willing to contribute. This approach can set the foundation for a reciprocal and lasting professional partnership in the video production industry.

4 Set a Reminder

Keeping track of your professional contacts and when to follow up can be daunting. Utilize digital tools like calendar reminders or CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software to set a reminder for when to reach out next. Consistent communication is key to maintaining relationships, but it's also important not to be overbearing. A gentle nudge every few months can keep you on their radar without being intrusive.

5 Be Patient

Building meaningful professional relationships takes time, and it's important to be patient with the process. Don't be discouraged if you don't get an immediate response to your follow-up attempts. People are busy, and it might take a few tries before you get a reply. Stay persistent but respectful, and remember that every interaction is a step toward a stronger connection within the video production community.

6 Follow Through

If you promise to do something during your initial meeting or in your follow-up correspondence, make sure you follow through. Whether it's sending a link to your portfolio, making an introduction, or sharing resources, following through on your commitments is crucial. It not only shows that you're reliable but also helps build trust, which is fundamental in any professional relationship, especially in the collaborative world of video production.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?