How can you effectively follow up with someone you've met at a journalism conference?

1 Send a personalized email

The first step is to send a personalized email to the person you've met within 24 hours of the conference. Thank them for their time, remind them of what you talked about, and express your interest in staying in touch. You can also mention something specific that you learned from them, or ask a follow-up question that shows your curiosity. Avoid generic or spammy messages that sound like you're sending them to everyone.

2 Share relevant content

Another way to follow up with someone is to share relevant content with them that relates to their work, interests, or challenges. For example, you can send them an article, a podcast, a report, or a tool that you think they might find useful or interesting. This shows that you're paying attention to what they care about, and that you're willing to provide value. You can also ask for their feedback or opinion on the content, and start a conversation.

3 Connect on social media

Social media is a great platform to connect with someone you've met at a journalism conference, as it allows you to stay updated on their work, projects, and achievements. You can follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, or any other platform that they use, and engage with their posts by liking, commenting, or sharing them. You can also send them a direct message to introduce yourself, or to continue the conversation from the conference. Be respectful and professional, and don't spam them with too many messages.

4 Offer your help

One of the best ways to follow up with someone is to offer your help in some way. This could be by introducing them to someone else in your network, by giving them a referral, by recommending them for an opportunity, or by providing them with some advice or feedback. This shows that you're generous, supportive, and trustworthy, and that you're not just looking for something from them. You can also ask them if they need any help with anything, and see if you can assist them in any way.

5 Set up a meeting

If you want to take your relationship to the next level, you can set up a meeting with the person you've met at the journalism conference. This could be a phone call, a video chat, or a face-to-face meeting, depending on your location and availability. The purpose of the meeting is to deepen your connection, learn more about each other, and explore potential collaborations or opportunities. You can also use the meeting to share your goals, challenges, and insights, and to ask for their advice or guidance.

6 Follow up regularly

The last tip is to follow up regularly with the person you've met at the journalism conference. This doesn't mean that you have to contact them every day or every week, but that you have to maintain a consistent and meaningful communication with them. You can check in with them every month or every quarter, depending on the nature and frequency of your interaction. You can also send them a congratulatory message when they achieve something, a birthday wish when it's their special day, or a holiday greeting when it's appropriate. The key is to show that you care, and that you're interested in building a long-term relationship.

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?