You've made valuable connections at a networking event. How can you follow up without being pushy?

We've all received emails and messages where the sender immediately asks for something without first building a connection or creating rapport. Our first instinct is to not pay any attention to the message and not reply. Instead of focusing solely on what you can get from someone, shift your approach to what you can offer them. Consider how you can provide value to their business and make your primary focus on them, rather than yourself. By emphasising relationship-building, you'll stand out and enhance the know, like, and trusr factor, significantly increasing your chances of doing business together.

Craft a thoughtful and personalized follow-up email. Mention something specific from your conversation at the event to remind them of who you are and to show that you were genuinely engaged. Express your appreciation for the connection and briefly state why you would like to stay in touch or how you can be of assistance. For example, you might write, "I enjoyed discussing innovative project management strategies with you. I would love to continue our conversation and explore potential collaboration opportunities."

I typically send a follow-up message within 24 hrs of the event. This prompt timing ensures that I remain fresh in their minds, as people meet many new contacts daily. Timely follow-up is essential, as the saying goes, "The fortune is in the follow up". If I do not receive a response within a week, I make sure to send a polite reminder.

Timing is crucial when following up. Send your follow-up email within 24-48 hours after the event while the interaction is still fresh in their mind. If you promised to share information or resources, make sure to do so promptly. Respect their time and avoid bombarding them with multiple follow-ups if they don’t respond immediately. Give them at least a week before sending a polite reminder if necessary.

Leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to stay connected. Send a connection request with a personalized note mentioning your recent interaction. Engage with their posts and share relevant content that might interest them. This helps keep you on their radar without being intrusive. You can write something like, "It was great meeting you at the networking event. I'd love to connect here and continue sharing insights on project management."

I have used social media very effectively by connecting with people I want to stay in touch with and/or do business with. I first start by finding them on social media, typically LinkedIn, and send them a personalised message. Then, I focus on providing as much value to them as possible to, while also liking and commenting on their posts. This keeps me on their radar and in their thoughts for potential business opportunities. The more value I offer, the stronger the rapport I build.

The Key advantage you would have over others is that 1) You know exactly what they are into - so you can give them hyper personalised recommendations. 2) You have the personal connect with them, so you can leverage that additional bit of knowledge as an ice breaker or a ps statement, which would create a good impact on the client. 3) Most importantly since they already know you, you already have a “one leg up” over over other vendors, make sure you send them a greeting card (physical is better or an email) on special occasions. The key is personal relationship building!

With every new connection, I strive to add value by conducting thorough research on the person and identifying ways I can support their goals. This might involve offering relevant ideas, resources, or even contacts. By focusing on how you can contribute to the success rather than what you can gain, you demonstrate genuine interest. This approach often encourages reciprocity and fosters a more meaningful and collaborative relationship.

One thing I've found helpful is to allow a few minutes right before a meeting begins to mindfully prepare. The energy we bring to a space plays a vital role in the impressions made and connections formed. I aim to allow at least five minutes to separate myself from the previous task, gather any necessary resources, refuel, read useful information, check my tech works (if needed), breathe, focus, and maybe visualise. I believe it is important to remain open-minded and curious about the other party - before, during and after the meeting takes place. Plus, always communicate with authenticity and integrity.

First impressions count, whether in person or a virtual. How you show up represents your character. Always be punctual; log in a few minutes early for online meetings and arrive at least 10 minutes early for in-person ones. Preparation is key; research the person/company, including what their values and ethics. Knowing someone's values and ethics helps you tailor your conversation. For example, if meeting with a Nike representative, knowing their core values - 'do the right things, serve athletes, the future sport, and win as a team' - can make your proposition more valuable and create a win-win scenario. Make sure to also stay within your time frame. Understanding the person deeply makes it easier to pitch them an idea and build rapport.

"The fortune is in the follow through". In our busy world, many connections are made daily, therefore if you do not follow up, the chances of being remembered or doing business are reduced. I find it beneficial to take photos with all new people I meet and want to stay connected with. This is useful when sending the follow up message as I attach the photo, along with a personalised note. Doing this not only reminds them who you are and where you met, but also reinforces the personal connection and helps build stronger rapport. Focusing on nurturing the relationship, rather than keeping it being transactional fosters a deeper sense of know, like, and trust, making future business discussions smoother and more successful.

Following up after making valuable connections at a networking event is crucial for building relationships without appearing pushy. Start by sending a personalized email within a few days, expressing gratitude for the conversation and referencing specific points of discussion to show genuine interest. Mention something memorable from the event to jog their memory. Offer something of value, such as an article related to their interests or a resource they might find useful. Respect their time by keeping your message concise and focused. Include a clear call-to-action, such as suggesting a follow-up meeting or asking for their preferred method of communication.

A veces es mejor explicar estas habilidades con un ejemplo: Imagina que asistes a un evento sobre tecnología y tu eres experto en IA. Has investigado y sabes que varios líderes estarán presentes. Al llegar, ubicas al prospecto que te interesa, te presentas con una sonrisa y dices: "Hola, soy [Tu Nombre]. He seguido el trabajo de [La Empresa] y estoy impresionado con el enfoque que manejas respecto a la IA. ?Podrías contarme un poco sobre como la gestionas?" Durante la conversación, escuchas atentamente y haces preguntas reflexivas. Al final, intercambias el contacto. Después del evento, le envías un correo agradeciéndole por la conversación y sugiriendo una reunión para explorar posibles colaboraciones y te mantienes en contacto.