How do you write a great follow-up email after meeting someone at a conference?

1 Be timely

Don't wait too long to send your follow-up email. Ideally, you should do it within 24 hours of meeting someone at a conference. This way, you can capitalize on the momentum and freshness of the interaction. If you wait too long, you risk losing their attention or interest, or worse, being forgotten.

2 Be personal

A generic or mass email will not impress anyone. You need to show that you remember the person and what you talked about. Use their name, mention something specific from your conversation, and express your appreciation for their time and insight. This will help you build rapport and trust, and show that you are not just spamming them.

3 Be clear

Your follow-up email should have a clear purpose and call to action. What do you want to achieve from this email? Do you want to ask for advice, feedback, or a referral? Do you want to share some resources, insights, or opportunities? Do you want to schedule a meeting, a call, or a demo? Whatever it is, make it clear and concise, and avoid vague or open-ended questions. Also, make it easy for them to respond by giving them options, deadlines, or next steps.

4 Be valuable

Your follow-up email should not only be about what you want, but also what you can offer. How can you add value to the person and their goals, challenges, or interests? You can do this by sharing relevant information, insights, or resources, offering your help or expertise, or introducing them to someone who can benefit them. This will show that you are not just looking for a favor, but also willing to give value.

5 Be professional

Your follow-up email should reflect your professionalism and credibility. You need to pay attention to the tone, language, and format of your email. Use a polite and respectful tone, avoid slang, jargon, or emojis, and proofread your email for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Also, use a clear and catchy subject line, a proper salutation and signature, and a reasonable length. Don't make your email too long, too short, or too informal.

6 Be persistent

Sometimes, you may not get a response from your follow-up email right away. Don't give up or take it personally. People are busy and may have other priorities or distractions. You can follow up again after a few days or a week, depending on the urgency and nature of your email. However, don't be annoying or pushy. You can send a gentle reminder, a new piece of value, or a relevant update, but don't spam them or demand a reply. Know when to move on or try a different channel.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?