You're expanding your gaming industry network. How do you ensure your follow-up makes a lasting impression?

Personalization really does make a significant difference, especially in the gaming industry where relationships can be highly collaborative and creative. Tailoring your follow-up to specific shared experiences or conversations adds authenticity and demonstrates that you're genuinely engaged. It's those small, thoughtful touches that can turn a simple follow-up into a lasting connection.

To make a lasting impression, personalize your follow-up by referencing something specific from your conversation—it shows you were actively engaged. Be prompt but thoughtful in your outreach, sharing relevant content or insights that align with their interests or goals. Finally, keep the door open for future interactions by expressing your genuine interest in staying connected, perhaps suggesting a collaborative opportunity down the line.

The advice I always give is to ask a question about the persons work that you can’t Google the answer to. It shows you’ve taken the time to do research, given thought to what they work on, and are ready for meaningful conversation. Those are the people who stay top of mind in someone’s network.

I make a lasting impression with personalized follow-ups. I reference something specific we discussed, like a shared interest or insight, to show I was actively listening. I express genuine appreciation for their time and expertise. If applicable, I might share an article or resource related to our conversation to add value. I keep the tone friendly and authentic, without pushing for anything immediately. Following up on LinkedIn or via email within a day or two helps maintain momentum. I aim to build a relationship by staying in touch periodically and offering support or collaboration opportunities.

When I’m following up with new contacts in the gaming industry, I make sure to add a personal touch. Instead of just saying “hello” or “thanks for connecting,” I try to bring up things we talked about before, like a recent game release or an interesting design challenge. By mentioning those specific topics, it shows that I’m genuinely engaged and interested in building a deeper connection, not just being formal. This thoughtful approach makes my follow-up more meaningful and helps leave a lasting impression.

Striking the right balance is key in networking as well. It keeps the conversation fresh and signals that you value the connection, ensuring you maintain momentum in building a strong relationship.

Super important. It's hard to be brief. Organize the email for readability, avoid redundancy and too many modifier words. For help shortening your prose while keeping the meaning, ask ChatGPT!

If you've followed everyone else's suggestions in steps 1 - 4, you likely don't need a second follow-up. But if you do; open with an apology. "I'm sorry for checking in again..." or "My apologies for reaching out..." The apology opener is a good soft-reentry point. However, I caution you against apologizing for wasting or taking up someone's time. With this one statement, you've let the other person know that you think little of yourself and don't value your own time. You are interested and value this connection, but you have worth and value, too! Remember what you're bringing to this networking connection.