How do you effectively follow up after a networking event?
Networking events can be a goldmine for business development opportunities, but their true value is only realized with effective follow-up. Imagine leaving an event with a stack of business cards, feeling optimistic about the potential connections you've made. However, without a strategic plan to reach out afterward, those new contacts can quickly become missed opportunities. The key to capitalizing on the time and effort spent networking lies in how you engage with your new acquaintances post-event. It's not just about sending an email; it's about fostering relationships that can lead to partnerships, sales, or valuable introductions.
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After a networking event, take the time to organize your new contacts. Sort through business cards and notes, categorizing each person based on the conversation you had or the potential for future collaboration. This step is crucial because it allows you to tailor your follow-up approach to each individual. Remember, a personalized message resonates far more than a generic one. You want to remind your contacts who you are and why your interaction was significant, so reference specific topics or jokes from your conversation to jog their memory and show that you were genuinely engaged.
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Organizing contacts and personalizing follow-up messages after a networking event is a valuable practice that can significantly enhance future collaborations. By carefully sorting through business cards and notes, and categorizing individuals based on the nature of the conversation or potential for collaboration, one can tailor their follow-up approach effectively. Ultimately, investing time in organizing contacts and crafting personalized messages demonstrates a professional and attentive approach, fostering stronger and more fruitful connections in the long run.
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After a networking event, organize your new contacts based on the nature of your conversation or potential for collaboration. Personalize your follow-up messages by referencing specific topics or shared interests to make a lasting impression. Demonstrating attentiveness and professionalism strengthens the likelihood of establishing fruitful collaborations.
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Pre-Event Preparation: - Set networking goals before the event. - Map out the audience attending to identify key individuals. - Prepare a personal tracking system (e.g., custom tags in LeadDelta). During the Event: -Connect with people using your phone and notebook. -Add them on LinkedIn and jot down conversation highlights. Focus on meaningful interactions, not excessive tracking. Post-Event Organization: -Sync your contact management software (e.g., LeadDelta) with new LinkedIn contacts. -Assign appropriate tags to contacts based on the event and their potential value.
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Make a lasting impression after networking! Here's how: 1. Strike While the Iron's Hot: Follow up within 24 hours to stay top-of-mind. 2. Personalize Your Reach: Reference a specific detail from your conversation to jog their memory. 3. Offer Value, Not Just "Hi": Share an interesting article relevant to their work or connect them with someone in your network. 4. Propose the Next Step: Suggest a call or coffee chat to keep the conversation going. Aim for a win-win!
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After a networking event, effective follow-up is key. Start by sending a personalized email within a few days, referencing your conversation and expressing appreciation for their time. Offer to connect on LinkedIn to continue the relationship. Keep it concise, genuine, and timely to solidify the connection you made at the event.
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After a networking event, follow up promptly by sending personalized emails or connecting on LinkedIn. Reference specific conversations to refresh their memory and explore potential opportunities or shared interests. Be polite, express gratitude for their time, and look for ways to provide value or assistance. Consistent follow-up helps nurture relationships and can open doors for future collaborations or business prospects.
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Effectively following up after a networking event involves several key steps. Firstly, promptly reach out to your new contacts via email or LinkedIn to express appreciation for connecting and reference something specific you discussed. Secondly, propose a next step, such as scheduling a follow-up call or meeting, to continue the conversation and explore potential opportunities for collaboration or further networking. This proactive approach helps maintain momentum and strengthens the relationship you've initiated.
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Networking is about building genuine relationships. It is not about selling to every person you meet. Take time to get to know people,understand their needs,& see how you can bring value to them.Don't be the person who goes to networking events & bombards people with your sales pitches.No one enjoys that.Instead, focus on building connections & being a resource for others.Referrals are gold.The true power of networking lies in referrals.By building authentic relationships & being a valuable resource, you will naturally generate referrals.The more you network, the more relationships you build, more opportunities will come your way.Work to create win-win for everyone & remember networking is not a one time thing,so be consistent & persistent.
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Effectively following up after a networking event involves timely and personalized communication tailored to each connection. Start by sending a brief personalized email expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect and referencing a specific conversation or topic discussed during the event. Offer to continue the conversation or provide value by sharing relevant resources or insights. Additionally, connect on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn and send a personalized connection request referencing the event. Finally, schedule a follow-up meeting or call to further explore potential collaboration or opportunities. Consistent and genuine follow-up reinforces relationships and keeps connections engaged.
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- Categorize Contacts: Sort the contacts you made at the event into categories based on priority or common interests, helping to tailor your follow-up approach. - Update CRM: Input details into a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system or a spreadsheet with notes on conversations and potential opportunities. - Business Card Management: Digitize business cards using apps that can store and organize contact information, ensuring quick access and integration. - Action Items: Note any specific follow-up actions discussed during conversations, such as sending information or arranging a meeting, and schedule reminders.
Crafting your follow-up messages requires a balance between professionalism and personal touch. Begin by thanking them for their time and mention something specific from your conversation to establish a connection. If you discussed a potential collaboration or business opportunity, reiterate your interest and suggest a concrete next step, such as a meeting or a phone call. Keep your message concise and to the point, but friendly enough to encourage a dialogue rather than a one-off response. Your goal is to open the door to ongoing communication, not just to check off a box that you followed up.
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When following up, express gratitude for their time and reference a specific point from your previous conversation. If there was talk of collaboration or business, restate your interest and propose a next step, like a meeting. Keep it concise yet friendly to encourage ongoing dialogue.
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When crafting your follow-up messages, it is crucial to find the right balance between professionalism and personalization.Start by expressing gratitude for their time and reference something specific from your conversation to create a connection. If there was a discussion about potential collaboration or a business opportunity, reiterate your interest and propose a concrete next step, such as scheduling a meeting or arranging a phone call. Maintain a concise and focused message, but ensure it remains friendly enough to encourage ongoing dialogue rather than a one-time response. Remember, the objective is to establish an open line of communication, not just to fulfill a follow-up requirement.
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- Personalize Each Message: Reference specific details from your conversation to remind the contact of your interaction and personalize the connection. - Clear Purpose: State the purpose of your message clearly, whether it’s to ask for a meeting, provide requested information, or simply to keep in touch. - Concise Content: Keep the message concise and to the point, respecting the recipient’s time while conveying your message effectively. - Professional Tone: Use a professional yet friendly tone that matches the nature of the interaction and the professional level of the contact.
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Craft your follow-up messages with a balance of professionalism and personal touch. Start by thanking them for their time and reference something specific from your conversation to establish a connection. If you discussed a potential collaboration or opportunity, reiterate your interest and propose a concrete next step, like a meeting or call. Keep your message concise but friendly to encourage ongoing dialogue.
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Personalization is key in follow-up communications. Reference specific details from your interaction to remind them of who you are. For instance, mention a topic you discussed or a mutual interest that came up during your conversation. This not only strengthens the connection but also increases the likelihood of a response.
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Prepare your pitches before the event, according to the people to communicate with Don't make one universal message, make several and learn them. Clients, partners, investors, vendors, government entities - all categories must have their own message
Timing is everything when following up. Wait too long, and you risk being forgotten; do it too soon, and you may seem overeager. Generally, a follow-up within 24 to 48 hours strikes the right balance. It shows you're interested and proactive but gives them time to settle back into their routine. If you promised to send information or a proposal during the event, make sure to do so within this timeframe. This punctuality not only demonstrates your reliability but also keeps the momentum going while the event is still fresh in everyone's mind.
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When it comes to tracking, timing is critical. Waiting too long can lead to forgetfulness, while waiting too soon can seem overzealous. Usually, a follow-up within 24 to 48 hours will find the right balance. It shows that you are interested and proactive, yet allows the other person to get back into their routine. If you promised to provide information or a suggestion during the event, make sure you do so within this time frame. Being on time not only shows your reliability, but also helps keep the pace going while the event is still fresh in everyone's mind. Getting the timing right will show professionalism and keep the connection alive after the first meeting.
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- Prompt Follow-up: Send your follow-up message within 24 to 48 hours after the event while the interaction is still fresh in both parties' minds. - Avoid Weekends: Try to avoid sending follow-up emails over the weekend or late at night to ensure they are seen during normal business hours. - Consider Time Zones: Be mindful of the contact's time zone if they are from a different area to ensure your message is received at an appropriate time. - Respect Busy Periods: If you know the contact's industry has specific busy periods (e.g., end-of-quarter for finance professionals), plan your follow-up accordingly.
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Timing is crucial when following up. Aim for 24 to 48 hours after the event—a prompt follow-up shows interest without seeming overeager. If you committed to sending information, honor that within this timeframe to maintain momentum and show reliability.
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Follow up email/message should be done within 2 - 5 days maximum depends on what kind of networking events. When I attend mini and private networking session, I will send follow up message within 1 - 2 days. However if networking sessions happen during trade show, I will wait 3 - 5 days until everything is settled down.
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Know the culture of the region where you work The follow-up timing depends on the culture of the region. In some countries they expect a follow-up on the same day, and in some countries you can return in a couple of days Not too fast and not too long - everything should be on time
Social media is a valuable tool for maintaining the connections you've made. Connect with your new contacts on professional platforms like LinkedIn, which can provide a less intrusive way to stay in touch. When sending a connection request, personalize the message by referring back to your conversation at the event. Once connected, engage with their content by liking, commenting, or sharing their posts. This ongoing interaction keeps you on their radar and can lead to more opportunities for engagement in a professional context.
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Social media is a powerful tool for maintaining the connections you've made. Use professional platforms like LinkedIn to keep in touch with your new contacts in a non-disruptive way. When you send a connection request, make it effective by referencing your previous conversation in the event. Once connected, actively engage with their content by liking, commenting and sharing. This ongoing interaction demonstrates your genuine interest and expertise and ensures you stay on their radar. By consistently supporting and engaging with their contributions, you'll build a strong position and position yourself as a valuable contributor. A proactive and personalized approach to social media sets the stage for your professional growth and success.
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When following up, express gratitude for their time and reference a specific point from your previous conversation. If there was talk of collaboration or business, restate your interest and propose a next step, like a meeting. Keep it concise yet friendly to encourage ongoing dialogue.
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Stay engaged with the people you met at the networking event by interacting with their posts and updates on social media. Likes , comments, or share their content to show your support
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Social media platforms like LinkedIn are perfect for following up as they allow you to connect in a less formal, yet professional environment. A connection request accompanied by a brief personalized message can pave the way for further communication. Additionally, engaging with their posts and sharing relevant content can keep you on their radar without the pressure of direct communication.
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LinkedIn is a perfect tool for that Connect with your audience before the event and follow-up after It's easy, simple and effective
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- Connect on LinkedIn: Send a personalized connection request on LinkedIn, reminding them of your meeting and expressing interest in keeping in touch. - Engage Actively: Like, comment on, or share their posts to maintain visibility and demonstrate your interest in their professional activities. - Share Relevant Content: Post and share articles or content that is relevant to your industry or the discussion you had, tagging them if appropriate to spark further conversation. - Use Direct Messaging: For closer contacts, consider sending a direct message on a platform like LinkedIn or Twitter to continue the conversation in a more informal setting.
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Use social media to nurture connections post-event. Connect on platforms like LinkedIn, personalizing your message with a reference to your meeting. Engage with their content to stay on their radar and foster further professional interaction.
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Not because a contact is top of mind to you, it's equal to them! Consider taking a step back into the conversation you had, or the presentation they made. Keep in mind that even if you made the connection to sell them something, they're human and like authentic connections. Why? Because that's how you build trust! Remember, people like conversations that spark a real, natural convo. For example: ask them about X or Y thing they told you before, use that as a connection point to create a natural conversation starter. If you're contacting them after a meeting (don't wait too long, let's say 2 business days later!) leverage your knowledge and rapport built beforehand. From that point onward, you interact organically!
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Don't underestimate the power of social media platform. Stay connected via linkedin is valuable. We know what's going on in the company, career life and who knows we can be partners in the project. Stay engaged by liking, commenting as it shows that we care.
In your follow-up, it's important to suggest next steps to keep the conversation going. Whether it's setting up a coffee meeting, inviting them to another event, or offering to introduce them to someone in your network, provide a clear path forward. This not only shows initiative but also gives your contact a reason to respond. Be flexible with scheduling and open to suggestions; the goal is to make it as easy as possible for them to say yes to continuing the relationship.
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- Propose a Meeting: Suggest a specific time and place for a coffee meeting or lunch to discuss potential collaboration opportunities or to simply get to know each other better. - Offer Value: Recommend a resource, introduce them to another contact, or suggest attending another event together, demonstrating your willingness to provide mutual value. - Webinar or Workshop Invitation: Invite them to an upcoming webinar or workshop that you are hosting or find valuable, particularly if it aligns with their interests or business needs. - Request Feedback or Advice: If appropriate, ask for feedback or advice on a project you’re working on, showing you value their expertise and opinion.
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In your follow-up message, suggest clear next steps to keep the conversation going. Propose a coffee meeting, invite them to another event, or offer to introduce them to someone in your network. Being flexible and open to their suggestions makes it easier for them to engage and continue the relationship.
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Be proactive in your follow-up by suggesting a next step. This could be a coffee meeting, a phone call, or an invitation to another upcoming event. Proposing a specific action shows initiative and helps move the relationship forward.
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No pitch without Call-To-Action! That's a rule A follow-up without suggested steps is a pointless waste of time, agree on the next steps during communication, repeat it in the follow-up Your pitch should contain a call to action and follow-up to repeat this call and follow steps
Lastly, ensure that every interaction provides value to your new contacts. Share relevant articles, introduce them to a potential client, or offer your expertise in an area they expressed interest in. By being helpful and resourceful, you establish yourself as someone worth knowing in the business community. This approach not only strengthens your relationships but also increases the likelihood that your contacts will reciprocate with opportunities that can benefit your business development efforts.
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Whenever you follow up, aim to provide value. Share an article, a relevant contact, or an upcoming event that aligns with their interests or needs. Demonstrating that you can be a resource makes the relationship mutually beneficial and increases the chances of a sustained connection.
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Very often, networking is the place where people are looking for new people to join the team. Listen to who your partners are looking for, this will give you the opportunity to understand their problems PLUS you will be able to recommend someone from your circle to them. This will benefit your partners, your network and you, in fact it is a rare case of win-win-win. Listen carefully to what interests them and what problems they have. Use this in the future, recommend an agency if this is not your field of activity
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Follow up starts even before the event Usually I prepare like this: I set myself a goal before the event: with how many, with whom specifically and what I want to communicate I think through in advance the topics for communication and the next steps that I want to agree on. This way I can always evaluate the effectiveness of the event after its completion I plan in advance for myself the time after the event when I will send a follow up to everyone I talked to. I briefly summarise what we talked about and what the results and next steps are planned If we agreed on a meeting as a follow-up, I specify the date and time and send an invitation to the calendar
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Remember that follow-ups are just the beginning of what could potentially be a long-term professional relationship. Keep your communications courteous, respectful, and professional. Each interaction should reinforce a positive impression and contribute to building a solid foundation for collaboration. Additionally, keep track of all follow-ups and interactions through a CRM system or tracking tool to ensure no one falls through the cracks as your network grows.
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