How to follow up after networking event
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to a place where we explore topics that empower you to bridge the transition from graduation to the professional world.
This article was prepared by Kofi – Creative Director )
Imagine you’ve got those business cards in your pocket,
now let’s make them count.
You’ve put yourself out there, made connections, and collected business cards. Good for you! Unfortunately, those business cards are just pieces of paper until you use them.
The real hustle starts now.
Timing is Everything
Be quick on your follow-up. There’s no such thing as “too soon” when reaching out to a new contact. Even just a simple “Hello I am this and that” is sufficient. And better than just forgetting the business card in your pocket …
… and eventually destroying it in the washing machine. (speaking from personal experience)
I once received a LinkedIn message just 10 minutes after meeting someone. While the event was still happening.
It might seem pushy, but it left a positive impression, made me smile and the contact was in my chat. We have been in touch since
The Example:
To kick things off, I have asked Tomáš to write me an example of an email he would write someone after a networking event.
And Tomáš has built a network with over 500 companies, so we could say he has some experience here. 🙂
Dear Jan, pleasure meeting you at the PRK annual party. I truly value our conversation about Formula 1 car racing in Singapore. I have been preparing to travel there in 2024 and would truly appreciate your tips on where to stay and how to fully enjoy the experience.
In the meantime, I have connected with you via LinkedIn to remain in touch as we discussed. I would also love to provide you with more context about ECCEDU activities (Please see HERE). I know it is very hard to push it through your internal corporate infrastructure but I would greatly appreciate having you as well as your company on board. If you decide to give it a go, please let me know what you might need from my end.
Irrespective of whether we will work together or not, I cannot wait to meet you again soon and stay in touch with you.
Best wishes,
Signature
_____________
Notes from Tomáš:
- Never expand it to more than 2, max. 3 short paragraphs unless you promised something that requires it (and even then keep it concise)
- At the beginning, a short reminder where, whom, why etc. helps the addressee to identify “who you are”
- Personal message – to warm up the follow-up and add something personal to begin building relationships with the addressee. Keep in mind, being authentic is an absolute key. Do not write here something just because you feel you must….
- Main message if any (unless there is something to follow-up on, it might not make sense to write any e-mail whatsoever and perhaps just provide contact information to you – if promised – or add the individual via LinkedIn – always with a note attached to it)
- Again, keep it short and do not be pushy. Especially if the other person does not really know you and does not trust you yet. Trust is hard to gain, easy to lose. If you wish for something, keep the options for the other person open.
- Good bye message appreciating the other person and allowing him/her to follow-up in the future easily if he/she desires
- Signature containing all key information about you.
Remind Them What Happened
One of the best ways to remind the new contract about you is to recall some details of your conversation. Remind them of the topics you discussed, the book or event you mentioned, or the interesting person you introduced them to.
This can be as simple as saying, “We were speaking about this, and I thought you might find it interesting. Want to grab lunch and chat more about it?”
First message doesn’t have to be a formal (but it depends) meeting. Your goal is to keep the conversation going.
Social Media: LinkedIn is Your Best Friend
LinkedIn was made for networking.
If your new connection prefers another platform, connect with them there. But if you’re not connected on any platform, your only option is email. And that definitely takes most work to keep alive since there are no posts that connection can follow and you need to be careful with spamming.
Build Your CRM (Contact Relationship Management)
Speaking of emails… Connections are nice but emails are usually forever.
Create an address book or database of people you’ve met.
Emails are your friends – they’re more reliable than any social media platform.
Consider segmenting contacts to help you stay organized. Drop a quick message or email every few months to keep the connection fresh. But be reasonable and don’t spam! We all hate spammers.
It is not about selling yourself, it is about being in touch.
Honesty is the Best Policy
Professionalism is crucial, but authenticity is everything.
In a world filled with AI-generated content, real, human connections stand out.
Remember the little things, like their hobbies, birthdays, or common interests – these details can be great conversation starters.
People just met you, there is nothing wrong with being a junior.
Be yourself.
Expect Nothing, but Be.There.First
When you reach out, don’t expect an immediate response (or any).
Be the first to make contact. Taking the initiative shows you’re genuinely interested.
Whether it’s a quick message or a more formal email, remember, it’s just a message – don’t overthink it.
Step out of your comfort zone
That is what networking is all about.
Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and do not take the refusal personally. We all have been there.
Every new connection has the potential to open doors for you. Embrace the hustle struggle.
It might feel daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Keep building those connections, one message at a time.
It is worth it.
