As a program coordinator, you know how important it is to network and build professional relationships. But how do you make sure that your new contacts remember you and stay in touch? Here are some best practices for following up with a new professional contact after meeting them at an event, conference, or online.
The first step is to send a follow-up email within 24 hours of meeting your new contact. This shows that you are interested, respectful, and proactive. Your email should be brief, personalized, and relevant. Remind them of who you are, where you met, and what you talked about. Express your appreciation for their time and expertise, and mention something specific that you learned from them or found valuable. You can also suggest a next step, such as asking for their feedback, offering your help, or requesting a meeting.
The best way to follow up with a new professional contact is to send a personalized message soon after your initial meeting, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Mention a specific topic or discussion point from your interaction to make the message memorable. Express your appreciation for the connection and suggest a concrete next step, such as a meeting, phone call, or sharing relevant information or resources. Keep the tone professional yet friendly. Additionally, connect on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to maintain the relationship. Regularly engage with them by sharing pertinent information or insights, fostering a meaningful and mutually beneficial relationship.
Another way to follow up with a new professional contact is to connect with them on social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. This allows you to stay updated on their work, interests, and achievements, and to engage with their content. You can also use social media to share relevant resources, articles, or events that might interest them, or to congratulate them on their milestones. Be careful not to spam them with too many messages or comments, and to respect their privacy and preferences.
One of the best ways to follow up with a new professional contact is to add value and offer help. This means that you should look for opportunities to help them solve a problem, achieve a goal, or learn something new. You can do this by sharing your skills, knowledge, or contacts, or by introducing them to someone who can benefit them. For example, you can send them a useful tool, a relevant report, or a potential partner. By adding value and offering help, you demonstrate your value, generosity, and credibility, and you build trust and rapport.
If you want to deepen your relationship with a new professional contact, you should schedule a meeting or call with them. This gives you a chance to have a more meaningful conversation, to explore common interests and goals, and to discover new opportunities for collaboration. You can propose a meeting or call in your follow-up email, or after you have exchanged a few messages on social media. When you schedule a meeting or call, make sure to confirm the date, time, and platform, and to prepare an agenda and some questions.
The final step is to follow up regularly and consistently with your new professional contact. This means that you should keep in touch with them at least once every few weeks or months, depending on the nature and purpose of your relationship. You can follow up by sending a check-in email, a thank-you note, a birthday wish, or a holiday greeting. You can also invite them to join an event, a webinar, or a project that you are involved in. The key is to be genuine, respectful, and relevant, and to avoid being pushy or needy.
Definitely send a handwritten note . Share something insightful about their industry , or maybe pose a question that could be followed up with a call to connect.
Following up with a new professional contact effectively involves sending a personalized, timely message within 24-48 hours of your initial meeting. In your message, express gratitude for their time and reference specific topics from your conversation. Suggest a concrete next step, like a meeting or phone call, and offer value by sharing resources or information that aligns with their interests. Connect with them on LinkedIn or other professional networks to stay in touch. If immediate further contact isn't necessary, set a reminder to reach out in the future to keep the connection active. This approach ensures the follow-up is meaningful and lays the groundwork for a potentially beneficial professional relationship.