What are some common mistakes to avoid when following up with event media contacts?

1 Why follow up matters

Following up with event media contacts is not optional. It's a crucial step in building trust, rapport, and credibility with them. If you don't follow up, you risk losing their interest, missing opportunities, and damaging your reputation. On the other hand, if you follow up well, you can demonstrate your professionalism, value, and relevance, and increase your chances of getting featured, invited, or referred by them.

2 How to follow up properly

The first rule of following up is to do it promptly. Ideally, you should follow up within 24 hours of the event, while the memory is still fresh and the connection is still warm. You can use email, phone, or social media to reach out, depending on the preference and availability of the contact. The second rule is to personalize your message. Don't send a generic or mass email to everyone. Instead, address them by name, remind them of how you met, and mention something specific that you discussed or learned from them. The third rule is to provide value. Don't just ask for something or pitch your product or service. Instead, offer something useful, such as a resource, a feedback, a testimonial, or a referral. This way, you can show your appreciation, interest, and expertise, and make them more likely to respond and engage with you.

3 What to avoid when following up

When following up with event media contacts, there are certain mistakes to avoid. These include being overly pushy or needy, sending vague or irrelevant messages, and using an overly informal or casual tone. It is important to respect their boundaries and preferences, be concise and specific in your message, and maintain a level of professionalism that matches the context and audience. Additionally, ensure that your message has a clear purpose and value, as well as a call to action or next step for the recipient.

4 How to follow up effectively

Successfully following up with event media contacts is an ongoing process that requires consistency, patience, and strategy. To ensure you don't forget, confuse, or lose touch with them, use a tool or system to organize your contacts and keep track of your interactions with them. Record their names, details, preferences, and feedback and set reminders for yourself. Additionally, stay in touch with them periodically without being too frequent. Send them updates, news, tips, or invitations that are relevant and valuable to them. Share your achievements, challenges, or insights and ask questions that could engage them. Show them you care and value their relationship by delivering value such as resources, feedback, testimonials, or referrals that could help them. Demonstrate your professionalism by showing how you can solve their problems, meet their needs, or enhance their goals. By following these tips and avoiding mistakes, you can build long-term relationships with event media contacts and increase your visibility for business growth.