What are some effective ways to follow up after a networking event?
Networking events can be great opportunities to meet new contacts, exchange ideas, and expand your professional circle. However, the benefits of networking don't end when the event is over. To make the most of your networking efforts, you need to follow up with the people you met and maintain the relationships you started. Here are some effective ways to follow up after a networking event and keep the conversation going.
The first step to follow up after a networking event is to send a personalized email to each person you connected with. Ideally, you should do this within 24 hours of the event, while the memory is still fresh. In your email, you should thank them for their time, remind them of what you talked about, and express your interest in staying in touch. You can also mention something specific that you learned from them, or offer to help them with something they need. Avoid sending generic or mass emails that sound impersonal or spammy.
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Haider Kamran Khan
Head of Operations @ Advanced Datalytics
After a recent networking event, I connected with a professional named Sarah. I sent a personalized follow up email, expressing gratitude for our conversation about project management challenges. Referencing specific points we discussed showcased my genuine interest. I attached a relevant article as a follow up, demonstrating value. We scheduled a virtual coffee chat, solidifying the connection. This approach led to a meaningful professional relationship, emphasizing the importance of personalized follow ups and providing value in networking interactions.
Another way to follow up after a networking event is to connect with your new contacts on social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. This can help you stay updated on their activities, interests, and achievements, and also show them that you are engaged and interested in their work. You can also use social media to share relevant content, comment on their posts, or congratulate them on their milestones. However, be careful not to overdo it or come across as intrusive or annoying. Keep your interactions professional and respectful.
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Rakesh P
This might not be great idea, you need to give them their personal space. I would not recommend connecting to them via social media as soon as you meet someone at an event. It also looks like you are stalking them.
If you had a particularly meaningful or productive conversation with someone at a networking event, you might want to schedule a follow-up meeting with them to continue the discussion or explore opportunities for collaboration. You can suggest a meeting in your follow-up email, or wait for a few days or weeks until you have something valuable to offer or ask. A follow-up meeting can be a phone call, a video chat, or a face-to-face meeting, depending on your preference and availability. The goal is to deepen the relationship and add value to both parties.
One of the best ways to follow up after a networking event is to add value and provide feedback to your new contacts. This can help you establish yourself as a credible and helpful professional, and also show your appreciation and gratitude for their time and attention. You can add value and provide feedback by sending them useful resources, introducing them to other relevant contacts, endorsing their skills, recommending their services, or giving them constructive feedback on their work. However, make sure that your value and feedback are relevant, timely, and genuine.
The final and most important way to follow up after a networking event is to keep in touch regularly with your new contacts. Networking is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process of building and maintaining professional relationships. You should aim to keep in touch with your contacts at least once every few months, or more often if appropriate. You can keep in touch by sending them a friendly email, inviting them to another event, asking them for advice, or sharing some news or updates. The key is to keep the conversation alive and show that you care.
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