You've just attended a networking event, exchanged business cards with some interesting people, and left feeling optimistic about your career prospects. But what happens next? How do you follow up with a new contact without being too pushy or too passive? Here are some tips to help you build and maintain professional relationships that can benefit your career development.
The first thing you should do after meeting a new contact is to send them a thank-you note. This is a simple but effective way to show your appreciation, interest, and professionalism. You can use email, LinkedIn, or another platform that suits the context and tone of your conversation. Try to send your note within 24 hours of meeting them, and personalize it by mentioning something specific you discussed or learned from them. You can also express your desire to stay in touch and suggest a possible next step, such as a phone call, a coffee chat, or a referral.
Provide Value- To foster a strong professional relationship, show that you're not just looking to take but also give. Share relevant articles, resources, or insights that you believe might benefit your contact based on their interests and industry. Offering help or support, even in small ways, can demonstrate your willingness to contribute to the relationship. Be genuine in your efforts to provide value, and avoid coming across as opportunistic
The key to following up with a new contact is to add value and relevance to your communication. You don't want to spam them with irrelevant messages or ask for favors without offering anything in return. Instead, you want to demonstrate your expertise, credibility, and generosity. You can do this by sharing useful information, resources, or opportunities that relate to their goals, challenges, or interests. You can also offer your help, feedback, or advice on something they are working on or need assistance with. Make sure your communication is concise, clear, and respectful, and avoid sending too many messages or attachments.
Few things to note. Just because they were polite to LinkIn with you or give you their card, does not mean they are interested in what you have to offer. You need to cultivate dialogue. You send them a LI msg or email thanking them for the connection. Ask how you can help forward them referrals. In-turn when you have that discussion they will want to know about your business and how they can also help you. It may be that some contacts will never do business with you directly, but will be a good source of referrals. In some cases just having certain contacts as yours on LinkedIn can help you with other leads.
Another important aspect of following up with a new contact is to follow up regularly. This means keeping in touch with them at appropriate intervals and occasions, depending on the nature and purpose of your relationship. You don't want to lose contact with them after one or two exchanges, but you also don't want to annoy them with constant reminders or requests. A good rule of thumb is to follow up every few weeks or months, depending on the level of engagement and responsiveness you receive from them. You can also use triggers, such as birthdays, holidays, events, or news, to reach out to them and show your interest and care.
One of the challenges of following up with a new contact is to be proactive and flexible. This means taking initiative and action to move the relationship forward, but also being adaptable and respectful of their preferences and availability. You don't want to wait for them to make the first move or assume they are interested in the same things as you. Instead, you want to propose specific and realistic suggestions for further contact, such as a meeting, a project, or a collaboration. You also want to be open and responsive to their feedback and suggestions, and adjust your approach accordingly.
The last tip for following up with a new contact is to maintain a positive attitude. This means being polite, friendly, and enthusiastic in your communication, but also being patient, persistent, and resilient. You don't want to be rude, arrogant, or desperate in your communication, but you also don't want to give up easily or take rejection personally. Instead, you want to show your genuine interest and appreciation for the contact, but also respect their boundaries and decisions. You also want to focus on the value and potential of the relationship, rather than the immediate results or outcomes.
Following up with a new contact is an essential skill for career development, as it can help you expand your network, increase your visibility, and create new opportunities. By following these tips, you can follow up with a new contact effectively and professionally, and build lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.
Follow Up on a Regular Basis and Stay Involved: Developing and keeping professional connections necessitates persistent work. Set up reminders to follow up on a regular basis, whether through emails, phone calls, or social media engagements. Demonstrate genuine interest in your connections' career developments and achievements. Engage with their content on social media, comment on their accomplishments, and congratulate them on their achievements. This continual involvement contributes to the connection remaining alive and relevant.