What's your follow-up plan after networking?

1 Why follow up?

Following up after networking is crucial for several reasons. First, it shows that you are interested, respectful, and professional. It also helps you stand out from the crowd of people who might have met the same person. Second, it allows you to reinforce your message, remind them of your value proposition, and share relevant information. Third, it opens the door for further communication, collaboration, and referrals. By following up, you can turn a casual contact into a meaningful connection.

2 When to follow up?

The best time to follow up after networking is within 24 hours of meeting someone. This way, you can capitalize on the momentum and freshness of the conversation. If you wait too long, you might lose the opportunity or be forgotten. However, don't follow up too soon or too often, as this might seem desperate or annoying. A good rule of thumb is to send one email or message within a day, and then another one within a week or two, depending on the situation and the response.

3 How to follow up?

Following up after networking is a must, and you can use different channels, such as email, phone calls, texts, social media, or handwritten notes. To make your follow-up stand out, it should be personalized, relevant, and concise. Begin with a friendly greeting and remind them of who you are and where you met. Express your gratitude for their time and attention. Reference something specific that you learned from them or enjoyed about the conversation. Offer something valuable, such as a resource, a recommendation, a feedback, or an introduction. Ask a question or propose a next step to further the relationship. Finally, end with a positive note and a call to action.

4 How to track your follow-ups?

When networking, one of the challenges is keeping track of contacts and communication. To prevent this, it’s important to organize and update follow-ups regularly. Spreadsheets, CRM software, or apps can be used to record and manage contacts and actions. The information you should track includes the name, title, company, and contact details of the person; date, location, and context of the meeting; key points and takeaways from the conversation; follow-up actions and deadlines; and responses and outcomes.

5 How to maintain your relationships?

Following up after networking is not a one-time event; it's a continuous process of nurturing and strengthening your relationships. To do this, you need to stay in touch, add value, and show interest. For example, reach out regularly but not too frequently to share updates, news, or insights. Congratulate them on achievements or occasions. You can also endorse their skills, recommend their services, or write a testimonial. Introduce them to other relevant people in your network, invite them to events or webinars that might interest them, and offer help, advice, or feedback when appropriate. Additionally, ask for their input on your projects or challenges. Following up after networking is essential for building and growing your network. By creating a follow-up plan and following these tips, you can make a lasting impression and maintain your relationships.

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?