What are some effective ways to maintain your professional network after a fundraising event?

1 Follow up promptly

The first step to maintaining your professional network after a fundraising event is to follow up with the people you met as soon as possible. Ideally, you should send a personalized email or message within 24 hours, thanking them for their time, interest, and feedback, and reminding them of what you discussed or agreed on. You can also include a call to action, such as asking for a meeting, a referral, or a donation, depending on the context and the relationship. The key is to show that you value their connection and that you have something relevant and valuable to offer them.

2 Stay in touch regularly

The second step to maintaining your professional network after a fundraising event is to stay in touch with your contacts on a regular basis. This doesn't mean spamming them with emails or calls every week, but rather finding appropriate and meaningful ways to communicate and engage with them. For example, you can share useful resources, updates, invitations, or opportunities that are related to their interests, needs, or goals. You can also comment on their social media posts, congratulate them on their achievements, or ask for their opinions or advice. The goal is to build rapport, trust, and credibility, and to show that you care about them as individuals, not just as potential donors or partners.

3 Provide value and support

The third step to maintaining your professional network after a fundraising event is to provide value and support to your contacts whenever possible. This means going beyond asking for favors or donations, and instead offering your help, expertise, or resources to them. For example, you can introduce them to other relevant contacts, endorse them on LinkedIn, volunteer for their projects, or donate to their causes. You can also invite them to join your online or offline communities, events, or campaigns, and encourage them to participate and contribute. The idea is to create a mutually beneficial relationship, where you both gain something from each other, and where you demonstrate your generosity, gratitude, and professionalism.

4 Seek feedback and improvement

The fourth step to maintaining your professional network after a fundraising event is to seek feedback and improvement from your contacts on your fundraising activities, strategies, and results. This means asking for their honest and constructive opinions, suggestions, or testimonials on how you can improve your work, impact, or communication. You can also ask for their success stories, challenges, or best practices on fundraising, and learn from their experiences and insights. The point is to show that you value their input and expertise, and that you are willing to learn and grow from them.

5 Celebrate and acknowledge

The fifth step to maintaining your professional network after a fundraising event is to celebrate and acknowledge your contacts for their achievements, contributions, or support. This means expressing your appreciation and recognition for their donations, referrals, endorsements, or participation in your fundraising efforts, and highlighting the positive outcomes and impacts that they helped create. You can also celebrate and acknowledge their personal or professional milestones, such as birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, or awards, and show your genuine happiness and respect for them. The purpose is to show that you are proud and grateful for their involvement and relationship, and that you want to share their joy and success.

6 Be authentic and consistent

The sixth and final step to maintaining your professional network after a fundraising event is to be authentic and consistent in your communication and actions. This means being honest, respectful, and transparent about your intentions, expectations, and challenges, and avoiding any false or exaggerated claims, promises, or requests. It also means being reliable, responsive, and respectful in your follow-ups, updates, and feedback, and honoring any commitments or agreements that you made. The essence is to show that you are trustworthy, professional, and ethical, and that you are not just interested in their money or resources, but in their values, vision, and mission.