Tips for Following Up Effectively After a Networking Event

By now, I’m sure you’ve realised that networking is a great way to meet new people. You can make valuable connections and expand your professional network. But your attendance at a networking event is only the start of it. Following up is essential otherwise your time at the event is totally wasted and it helps to create the foundations for those long-lasting business relationships.

Read on for our tips for following up effectively after a networking event.

Set some goals and make a plan before the event

Before you go think about setting some goals and having a follow-up plan in place. Knowing what outcome you want from the event will help you to know how and who you are going to follow up with. Will you want to meet up for a coffee or just start by sending a LinkedIn request to keep in touch? Having a plan will keep you on top of your following up process and make sure that you’re taking the necessary steps to achieve your goals.

Connect on social media

Social media can be a great place to start your follow ups after an event. It’s one of the easiest ways to carry on the conversation, the first step is to connect with your new contact on LinkedIn. When you send a connection request don’t forget to personalise the message and mention something about the event to remind them of your conversation. It will also help them to remember who you are and accept your request.

Send a them an email

Sending an email will also help in the follow up process, say how lovely it was chatting with them and again mention something you talked about. It shows you were listening to the conversation and shows you were interested. Follow up on your promises, include any relevant information you promised to send, maybe your website link or interesting article. If you offered to connect them with someone, then make sure you do just that, mention that you will introduce them in separate email. copying in the person you are connecting them with.

Set up a meeting

If you think the person you met at the event can help you in some way, or you can offer value to them, then go ahead and ask to meet up for a coffee or a chat over Zoom. This will give you more opportunity to discuss things in more detail and cement the relationship. It might be an idea to share your goals with them and how you think they can possibly help. It will help them to understand your motives and they can then be prepared.

Follow up consistently

Keep your following up consistent after an event. Just sending one email or LinkedIn message isn’t enough to build a meaningful relationship. On the other hand, don’t bombard them every day, you don’t want to appear like a stalker! Follow up just enough to stay on their radar. By sending updates from time to time or sharing great content will help to keep the conversation going, and remind them of who you are.

So, to conclude, it’s absolutely essential to follow up after an event to establish a meaningful business relationship. Have a plan, connect on the socials, send an email, connect them up with someone you know, arrange a coffee and follow up consistently to get the most out of your networking event. As we always say at In Business, ‘The best business comes from the best relationships’.

 Download our FREE 5 Step Follow Up Guide HERE then why not check out our events to practice your new found skills? Check out our events page HERE.