What To Do After a Networking Meeting

After a networking meeting, effective follow-up is crucial for turning new contacts into meaningful professional relationships. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to engage post-networking and lay the foundation for long-term connections.

1. Organise Your Contacts

Start by organising the business cards or notes you gathered during the meeting. Record key details about each person: where you met, what you discussed, and any potential opportunities for collaboration. This will help personalise your follow-up and ensure no one is overlooked.

2. Send a Personalised Follow-Up Email

Within 24-48 hours, send a personalised email to the people you connected with. Mention something specific from your conversation, showing that you were attentive and engaged. For instance, "It was great discussing digital marketing strategies with you at the event. I’d love to explore how we can collaborate on future projects." This keeps the conversation alive and shows genuine interest.

3. Connect on LinkedIn

Send a LinkedIn request with a brief message reminding the person of your meeting. A message like "It was great connecting with you at the networking event. Looking forward to staying in touch!" helps solidify the connection in a professional context. If your LinkedIn account limits you to only send a connection request but not a introductory message, making that request as soon as possible helps as the person is more likely to remember you from the networking meeting.

4. Provide Value Early On

Offer something valuable, such as a relevant article, a referral, or an introduction. Establishing yourself as a resource encourages the other person to reciprocate and deepens the relationship.

5. Schedule a Follow-Up Meeting

If your initial conversation suggested potential collaboration or mutual interest, suggest a follow-up coffee or video call to discuss in more detail. Keep the tone casual but focused on exploring opportunities further.

6. Stay in Touch Regularly

Consistency is key in building relationships. Stay on their radar by periodically checking in or sharing useful insights. Building trust takes time, so nurturing the connection is vital for a meaningful relationship.

By following these steps, you can transform a brief networking encounter into a lasting, fruitful professional relationship.