Follow up makes the networking magic happen.
Showing up to a networking event is only the start. The fortune is in the follow up…
I talked last time about perfecting your pitch for networking meetings. I’ve been networking for 12 years and am lucky enough to now be managing director of 4Networking. This hasn’t happened by chance. It has happened because I have built relationships over time and by keeping in touch with people, even if we won’t do business together anytime soon.
After any networking meeting it’s important to maintain and strengthen the relationship you have established with others you have met in the room. Here are some tips on how to follow up effectively:
- The most magical word in English is “thank you.” Within 24 or 48 hours of the meeting, send a personalised email thanking the team running the meeting, the speaker if there was one. Thank that person for their time and any insights they shared. A testimonial or post on LinkedIn will go a long way to strengthening the bond started in the meeting.
- Connect on LinkedIn: If you spoke to people 1:1 or in a breakout room, connect with the person on LinkedIn if you haven’t already. Include a brief message and mention something specific you discussed to remind them of your conversation.
- Follow through on promises: If you promised to send the person any information, such as a link to an article or a referral, make sure to follow through promptly with that. Doing what was promised builds a great first impression.
I’m sure we have all been to networking meetings where the next thing that happens is that you appear on an email list. Apart from being dubious from a data privacy point of view, it does nothing to create or deepen a potential business relationship. If anything, it reduces the chances of you working with someone who has clearly no genuine interest with you.
Keeping in touch, even if you don’t have a specific reason to follow up, is a good idea. Keeping in touch with your contacts periodically maintains the relationship. Consider sending a quick email or message to check in and see how they’re doing. You will likely come across them again networking and they will remember that you kept in contact and will have you in mind for themselves and as a referral for their wider network.
Over the last twelve years I have perfected a foolproof system covering a few steps that anyone can use. I have gone from networking novice to coaching networkers and the owner of 4Networking in that time. Use my booking link to start your networking rebelution. Everyone I work with goes out into the world with a pitch they are proud of and the tools they need to make the most of their networking. And always remember that networking is 20% showing up and 80% following up. Following up effectively needs you to develop another key listening skill, listening. And I’ll talk about how you can be a better listener next time.
My lovely client Jo said
“Caroline has been my networking coach for about 6 months now. As well as polishing my pitch and teaching me how to construct a good speech she has also given me the confidence to actually do it. Caroline has helped elevate me and my business to the next level! My business has grown as have I as a person and a business owner and I couldn’t have done it without her!”
