What do you do if you want to maintain professional relationships after networking events?

1 Follow Up

After a networking event, promptly reaching out to new contacts is crucial. Send a personalized email or message within 48 hours, expressing your appreciation for the conversation you shared. Mention a specific topic you discussed to jog their memory and make the interaction memorable. This initial follow-up is the first step in cultivating a relationship that extends beyond the event itself. It demonstrates your interest in the connection and sets the stage for future interactions.

2 Add Value

To maintain a professional relationship, look for ways to add value to your new contacts. Share relevant articles, introduce them to a colleague who may have common interests, or invite them to an event they might find beneficial. By offering something of value without expecting anything in return, you establish yourself as a resourceful and generous professional. This approach not only strengthens your relationships but also increases the likelihood that your contacts will reciprocate when you're in need of assistance or advice.

3 Stay Engaged

Consistent engagement is key to keeping professional relationships alive. Comment on their LinkedIn posts, congratulate them on their achievements, and reach out occasionally to check in. It's important to interact in a way that feels genuine and not forced. By staying engaged, you remind your contacts of your presence without being overbearing. This regular, but respectful, contact helps to build trust and familiarity, which are the foundations of any strong professional relationship.

4 Personalize Interactions

When you communicate with your network, personalize your interactions. Remember details from your initial meeting or previous conversations and bring them up in future discussions. This could be a personal interest, a professional goal they mentioned, or feedback on a project they were working on. Personalization shows that you value the relationship and are attentive to their interests and needs. It fosters a deeper connection and distinguishes you from others who may not take the time to personalize their communications.

5 Organize Meetups

One effective way to maintain relationships is to organize occasional meetups or get-togethers. This could be a casual coffee catch-up, a professional workshop, or even a group networking event. Face-to-face interactions can solidify relationships and provide an opportunity for more in-depth conversations than what's possible online or over the phone. By taking the initiative to organize such events, you show leadership and a commitment to nurturing your professional network.

6 Be Consistent

Lastly, consistency is vital in maintaining professional relationships after networking events. Your efforts should not be a one-off but rather a continuous process of nurturing the connection. Whether it's through regular check-ins, sharing information, or simply remembering to wish them on their birthday or work anniversary, consistency shows that you are reliable and genuinely interested in the relationship. Over time, this consistent approach will help you build a robust network of trusted professionals.

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?