Here's how you can effectively follow up with contacts after networking events in Transportation Planning.

I just attended a massive industry conference, and my business card collection looked like a war zone! But instead of letting it languish, I spent that evening sorting them. I categorized contacts by industry focus, potential project synergies, and even the cool initiatives they mentioned. Then, on the back of each card, I scribbled quick notes about our conversation (e.g., "sustainability in marketing"). The follow-up emails next day were a breeze! My personalized messages mentioning their specific interests or projects sparked real engagement, and I landed several valuable connections. It showed them I valued our conversation and made our reconnection more meaningful.

The true value of meeting other professionals is in the follow up. Outside of these events, it is not easy to contact Analysts/Architects and ask how they solved a certain problem. As there is always limited time during these events its important to gather contact information and a preferred method. Here are other key considerations to effectively communicate 1) Subject line: Clear and concise 2) Body: Express gratitude,provide context, but not the entire transcript(Example, Continuing our conversation). Frame questions as they relate to the general problem at hand. 3) Offer some help from your side, mention any follow up actions.

Networking is key in transportation planning. To follow up effectively after events, start by reaching out within 24-48 hours to stay fresh in their mind. Personalize your message by mentioning specific details from your conversation to show genuine interest. Add value by sharing relevant articles or suggesting collaboration ideas. Connect on LinkedIn with a personalized request and engage with their posts. Plan a follow-up meeting, like grabbing coffee or scheduling a call, to deepen the connection. Finally, be persistent. If they don’t respond right away, a gentle follow-up later can make all the difference. Happy networking!

In my internship with a city's transportation department, I was tasked with following up with community leaders about a new bike lane proposal. Generic emails got little response. But when I personalized them, mentioning a resident's concern I'd heard them voice at a meeting, the response rate jumped. It showed I listened and genuinely cared about their input. This experience taught me that a little personalization goes a long way in building relationships and boosting engagement, especially in transportation planning, where community buy-in is crucial.

As a transportation planning intern, I attended a conference to network with professionals. I exchanged business cards with many people, but after a few weeks, the details started to blur. Then, I remembered the "connect on LinkedIn" tip. Sending connection requests with a personalized message reminding them of our conversation at the conference helped refresh their memory. Now, by engaging with their posts and articles, I stay connected and relevant. This strategy has opened doors to informative conversations and even a potential mentorship opportunity!

At a transportation conference, I met a transportation engineer whose work on improving pedestrian safety resonated with me. After the event, I emailed him mentioning a specific intersection he'd discussed and how it connected to my interest in sustainable commuting. I suggested a call to learn more about his project and see if there were areas where I could assist. He responded positively, and our conversation led to valuable insights into the project and even a potential volunteer opportunity for me. This experience showed me the power of following up with a targeted approach.

At a transportation planning conference, I met a fellow intern, Sarah, discussing congestion pricing. I followed up with an email highlighting a new study on the topic I thought she'd find interesting. We ended up chatting on the phone, sharing our research and frustrations. Later, I connected her with a contact at a local advocacy group she was interested in. By offering relevant information and facilitating a new connection, I turned a brief meeting into a valuable networking win-win.

Sharing articles and information on leading innovation in transport planning and ITS is a great way to keep up to date and to keep in touch with colleagues, past, present and future.

Early in my HR internship, I attended an industry conference to meet transportation planning professionals. I collected many business cards, but after the initial excitement faded, I fell short on following up. Months later, I saw a news article about a project one contact was leading. I reached out, congratulating them and mentioning our conversation. They were impressed I remembered and we reconnected. This experience taught me the power of consistent networking. Now, I always connect with contacts on LinkedIn and periodically share relevant articles or industry news. It's a great way to build relationships and stay top-of-mind for future opportunities.

Best to exchange contact details and do follow up, periodically! Social media, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, Workshops, Webinars, Seminars, Conferences...are very useful.