Here's how you can strengthen relationships by effectively following up with contacts from networking events.

1 Personal Touch

When following up with new contacts, personalization is crucial. Reference specific details from your initial conversation to show genuine interest. This could be a project they mentioned, a mutual interest, or even a joke shared. By doing so, you're not only reinforcing the connection but also setting the stage for a more meaningful dialogue. Remember, your goal is to build relationships, not just add names to your contact list. A personalized message can make all the difference in demonstrating that you value the connection and are interested in what they bring to the table.

4 Offer Value

Your follow-up should offer value to your new contact. This could be in the form of relevant information, an introduction to another professional in your network, or an invitation to an event they might find interesting. Offering value strengthens the relationship and sets a foundation for mutual benefit. It's not about what you can get from them but what you can offer. This approach not only makes you memorable but also positions you as a resourceful and generous professional.

5 Consistent Engagement

Building strong relationships requires more than just a one-time follow-up; it calls for consistent engagement. This doesn't mean bombarding your contacts with messages but rather finding opportunities to interact periodically. Commenting on their LinkedIn posts, sharing articles you think they'd find interesting, or sending congratulatory notes on their achievements are all ways to stay on their radar. This regular, but non-intrusive, engagement shows that you're interested in their success and helps maintain the connection.

6 Evaluate and Adapt

Finally, it's important to evaluate your follow-up strategy and adapt as necessary. Not every approach will work with every contact, and that's okay. Pay attention to how people respond to your follow-ups. If they're engaging with you, you're on the right track. If not, don't be afraid to switch up your tactics. Networking is as much about learning what works as it is about making connections. Use each experience as a chance to refine your approach and become more effective in building lasting professional relationships.