What are the most effective ways to follow up with contacts for Product Innovation?

1 Be timely and relevant

Don't wait too long to reach out to your contacts after the event. Ideally, you should send them a personalized email within 24 hours, thanking them for their time and expressing your interest in their work. You can also mention something specific that you discussed or learned from them, and suggest a way to continue the conversation. For example, you can invite them to join a relevant online community, share a useful resource, or propose a meeting or a call.

2 Be respectful and courteous

When you follow up with your contacts, be respectful of their time and preferences. Don't spam them with multiple messages or calls, or expect an immediate response. If they don't reply, don't take it personally. They might be busy, or not interested, or not ready to engage. You can try to follow up again after a reasonable period, but don't be pushy or aggressive. Also, be courteous and professional in your communication. Use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and avoid slang, jargon, or emojis.

4 Be consistent and authentic

Another key to effective follow-up is to be consistent and authentic in your communication. Don't disappear after one email or call, or only contact them when you need something. Instead, try to keep in touch regularly, but not too frequently, and update them on your progress, achievements, or challenges. You can also ask them about their work, goals, or opinions, and show genuine interest and curiosity. Be yourself, and don't pretend to be someone you are not, or make promises you can't keep. By being consistent and authentic, you can create a lasting and meaningful relationship with your contacts.

5 Be open and flexible

Finally, be open and flexible when you follow up with your contacts. Don't assume that you know what they want or need, or that they have the same goals or expectations as you. Instead, listen to them, understand their perspective, and adapt to their situation. You can also ask them how they prefer to communicate, and respect their preferences. For example, some might prefer email, while others might prefer phone or video calls. Some might want to meet in person, while others might want to connect online. By being open and flexible, you can show your respect and appreciation, and increase your chances of success.

6 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?