How can you effectively follow up with people you meet at a System Administration conference?

1 Prepare before the conference

Before you attend a conference, make sure you have a clear goal and a plan for networking. Think about who you want to meet, what you want to learn, and how you can add value to others. Prepare some business cards, a short elevator pitch, and a list of questions or topics you want to discuss. Also, do some research on the speakers, sponsors, and attendees of the conference, and identify some potential contacts you want to reach out to.

2 Be memorable and genuine

When you meet someone at a conference, try to make a good impression and stand out from the crowd. Be friendly, confident, and curious, and show genuine interest in the other person. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and share relevant insights or stories. Avoid being too salesy, pushy, or self-centered, and respect the other person's time and space. If possible, find something in common or something unique that you can use as a conversation starter or a follow-up reminder.

3 Collect and organize contact information

One of the most important steps for following up is to collect and organize the contact information of the people you meet. You can use business cards, mobile apps, or online platforms to exchange information, depending on your preference and the context. Make sure you get the person's name, email, phone number, and social media handles, and note down any details that can help you remember them or personalize your follow-up. You can also use a CRM tool or a spreadsheet to keep track of your contacts and interactions.

4 Follow up promptly and appropriately

The best time to follow up with someone you meet at a conference is within 24 to 48 hours after the event. This way, you can show your interest and enthusiasm, and avoid being forgotten or ignored. The best way to follow up is to send a personalized email that reminds the person who you are, what you talked about, and what value you can offer. You can also include a call to action, such as asking for feedback, scheduling a meeting, or sharing a resource. Avoid sending generic or mass emails, and follow the etiquette and tone of the other person.

5 Nurture the relationship

Following up is not a one-time thing. You need to nurture the relationship over time, by providing value, staying in touch, and building trust. You can do this by sending relevant updates, articles, or tips, inviting them to join your network or community, offering help or referrals, or congratulating them on their achievements. You can also use social media, phone calls, or video chats to communicate and engage with them. The key is to be consistent, authentic, and respectful, and avoid being spammy or needy.

6 Leverage the relationship

The ultimate goal of following up is to leverage the relationship for mutual benefit. You can do this by asking for advice, feedback, or recommendations, collaborating on a project or a problem, or exploring new opportunities or partnerships. You can also introduce them to other contacts or resources that can help them achieve their goals. The key is to be clear, specific, and respectful, and to show how you can add value to them. You can also express your gratitude and appreciation, and reciprocate their favors or gestures.

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?