You just attended a networking event in the Customer Experience industry. What are your next steps?

No doubt that sending personalized thank-you notes after networking events is a strategic move that not only enhances professional relationships but also sets a positive tone for future interactions. By personalizing the message, maintaining professionalism, timing the message appropriately, and expressing a desire for future engagement, you can build lasting, meaningful connections in the professional sphere.

I make it a point within 12 hours of going to an event to send the new connections a thank you note for the introduction, connection and seeking confirmation from them that we should try to bring Customer Delight together in an opportunity over the next year. This keeps your details front of mind for longer as you then build out the potential ways to share, collaborate and succeed together. Personalize the message referencing something that they said and you appreciated or were inspired by. This builds closer connections to your interaction which may have been one of many that person had in the day. Then within a week seek to connect and have a casual catchup to learn more about them, what drives them, what success looks like for them.

Sending a thank-you note demonstrates that you value the time and conversation you shared with the person you met. It's a gesture of gratitude that can set the tone for a positive, ongoing relationship. It helps the person remember you too and will make for an opening too once you reach out to the person next!

Of course, you should send a note. I like to send a note with a picture of the person and myself from the event. Include a personal and business topic that you discussed.

If you did not manage to swap business cards or connect on social while at the event, send them a personalized invite request sharing how you meet, spoke and shared thoughts and ideas at the event. Going on to share how you would like to learn more from their experiences and skills. As it is most often a business platform they will appreciate the follow-up and connection. Start small, focus on the human connection, consider what they might want from the connection and how you can provide that in an honest authentic and transparent way. Trust is built over time and relationships are made stronger by positive action and events.

Connect on social media and send a message to say 'Great to meet you at X event.....' and add in a comment to show you were listening and took interest. This way you remember in future where you connected as well as building a relationship with your new contact. Where possible, add value to your discussion or offer up value for the future whatever that might be to them. It all goes towards building your relationship with them.

Adding your new contact to your professional network can help make better connections and ensure you send a note to your connection to just remind them of where you met and how you know each other.

Offering value strategically entails listening to your connections' challenges and proposing tailored solutions. Whether it's sharing relevant case studies or facilitating introductions, customization is key. By showcasing expertise and eagerness to assist, rapport strengthens, fostering mutual growth. This approach emphasizes trust-building and reciprocity, vital for enduring professional relationships.

A strategic approach to offering value involves attentively listening to your connections' challenges and proactively presenting solutions. Whether it’s sharing pertinent case studies, facilitating introductions to experienced individuals within your network, or crafting a concise proposal on collaborative problem-solving, the key lies in tailoring your support to their specific situation. Demonstrating your expertise and willingness to assist not only strengthens rapport but also fosters a conducive environment for mutual growth and future partnerships. This method underscores the significance of building trust and reciprocity, essential components of lasting professional relationships.

Effective networking extends beyond initial follow-ups; it thrives on personalisation and strategic interaction. To keep the connection vibrant, tailor your communications to align with each contact's interests, challenges, and achievements. Segmenting your network and utilising insights from past interactions can guide the timing and content of your outreach, making each touchpoint more relevant and impactful. For example, sharing industry-specific insights, congratulating them on professional milestones, or offering support during challenges showcases your genuine interest in their success. This approach enriches your professional relationships, setting a strong foundation for mutual growth and future collaboration.

This is a great article. I would add that providing value to your new connections really is what makes you stand out. Find out what problems and pain points each new connection has and then offer to help solve it if it aligns with something you can offer. Are they looking for a candidate and you know the right person to refer? Are they looking to optimize or refine a process you have already tackled and implemented? Think about what value you can offer and then make sure you provide that value. Cheers,