How would you approach following up with a contact after a networking event without being pushy?

Following up after a networking event doesn’t have to be pushy if you approach it with genuine appreciation and intentionality. I use what I call the “Thank You For” strategy - a simple 3 step process and a powerful way to stand out. Start by expressing gratitude with a specific reason, like, "Thank you for sharing your insights on [topic]." Then, ask if there’s anything you can do for them, offering a value exchange. Finally, commit to a next step, whether it’s scheduling a coffee or sharing a resource. This approach makes your follow-up thoughtful, memorable, and far from pushy - it's about building real connections.

One of the easy and simplest ways to do it is by, - Dropping a message saying who you are and where you met - Hint at the conversation that you had, highlighting a point - Be courteous and kind, also close it with an intent of keeping in touch.

After the event, I usually make the first contact within 24-48 hours. My approach is simple: I send a brief, personalised message that reflects something specific we discussed. For example, I once met a potential collaborator at an industry conference, and we had an insightful chat about personal branding trends. In my follow-up, I referenced our conversation and added a relevant article I’d written on the topic. This not only showed that I valued our interaction but also subtly positioned me as a knowledgeable resource. Tip: Personalisation is crucial. It’s not about mass messaging but about making the person feel that the connection was meaningful.

24 hours would be best but 48 hours works too. Don't be pushy trying to sell them something right off the bat, unless the action item from the initial conversation was to get them info on something specific.

People speak to many people in networking events, Always make your memory stay strong, by mentioning what you enjoyed about the conversation, Keep it about THEM, not YOU!

In every follow-up, I aim to add value. It could be an article, a relevant piece of research, or an introduction to someone who might be beneficial to their business. For instance, after a leadership workshop, I followed up with a contact by sending a brief summary of the session’s key takeaways, tailored to our shared interests. It wasn’t just a “nice to meet you” message but something that provided immediate benefit. Tip: Think about what you can offer that aligns with their interests or goals. The goal is to give before asking.

Offering to make a helpful introduction is always great and honestly what it's all about. Think of someone within your network that both contacts would benefit from.

If the initial response is positive, I might suggest a meeting or a call. I’m careful to be flexible and respectful of their time. I usually frame it as an opportunity for mutual benefit, such as “I’d love to continue our conversation and explore how we might collaborate on XYZ.” This approach worked well when I wanted to engage a potential partner for one of my projects. The meeting led to a fruitful partnership that started with just a casual chat over coffee. Tip: Make your suggestion as non-intrusive as possible. It’s about opening a door, not pushing it wide open.

If you already know their preferred way of meeting up then you can go ahead and suggest that. It may be in-person, over zoom, or a phone call. Main thing is to be sure to tell them what the purpose is. Don't side blind them with a sales pitch right off the bat.

Engaging with your network is super critical and you should not come across as pushy but genuinely interested. Your engagement over social media is absolutely critical. Here quality always wins hands down over quantity. People are anyways tired of receiving spam emails / messages ; your another email or in-mail wont work. However, a great chat , liking . commenting on social media, being genuinely interested , finding out a tangible next step (maybe a coffee where you can share details on your startup or the catch up on lunch where you can get your CTO friend to give some perspective to your new contact) is a great way to make people "expect your follow up". Remember - be welcomed - and dont be the one who pushes in.

Network with someone online by: 1. Researching their profile 2. Sending a personalized message 3. Starting a conversation 4. Showing genuine interest 5. Adding value Be authentic, respectful, and consistent to build a meaningful connection.

One common networking mistake is failing to get permission to follow up. Instead of just saying, "It was nice meeting you," ask directly, "Is it alright if I call you in the next couple of days?" If they agree, follow up; if they're vague, it might be best not to. Another crucial factor is crafting a killer introduction. Your first impression should be so impactful that they want to follow up with you. It's not easy, but with practice, you can master it. For example, instead of saying, "I'm a financial advisor," try something like, "Most people give up on their financial dreams.I help them turn their financial dreams into reality—what's your dream?" This invites curiosity and makes you memorable.

Another way I keep the connection warm is by following them on LinkedIn or other social platforms. I’ll engage with their posts by liking or commenting, showing genuine interest in their content. For example, I once connected with a fellow founder at an event, and by consistently engaging with her posts, I stayed top of mind. Months later, this led to a collaboration that wouldn’t have happened if I had just let the connection go cold. Tip: Social engagement is subtle yet effective. It keeps you visible without being intrusive.

Seguir nas redes sociais e fazer comentários que acrescentem valor aos posts do novo contacto é uma excelente forma de dar continuidade sem ser invasivo.

I also believe in the importance of keeping your contacts updated on your progress or any milestones that might be relevant to them. For example, when I launched a new service at Markman Media, I reached out to a few contacts from past events, sharing the news and asking for their thoughts. This often leads to renewed interest and even new opportunities to work together. Tip: Use updates as a way to keep the relationship alive, but ensure they’re relevant to the contact.

You can create a list for yourself of people to reach out to on a cadence even if it's only once a month or shorter or longer. This way you can stay updated with each other.

Finally, I’ve learned that patience is essential. Not every contact will turn into a partnership right away, and that’s okay. Some of the most successful collaborations I’ve had started with just a few casual exchanges over months or even years. For example, one of my most valued partnerships today began with an introduction and a follow-up email that didn’t lead to anything immediate. It took several months of periodic check-ins before we found the right opportunity to work together. Tip: Don’t rush the process. Let the relationship develop naturally, and trust that the right opportunities will come at the right time.

Criar uma boa rede de contactos, é uma maratona e deve ser encarada como tal...com ritmo, mas sem apressar nada. Um dos segredos para o sucesso na manuten??o dos contactos estabelecidos é desde o início mostrar que estamos ali para ajudar.