Networking events are constructed for you to create professional relations to further yourself, but what if you never hear back from them? Following up with the people you met at an event is an extremely important step in building trust and mutual value. This post will discuss how to create conversation after a networking event and keep your new contacts.
Be Intentional With Who You Talk To
Firstly, before you attend your networking event, your target audience has to be clear, meaning you want a clear understanding of the types of people you want to interact with. This will allow you to find the right people and possibly prepare questions or replies.
Take Notes
My second tip would be to jot some notes down after conversations, just outlining who they were and what you talked about. This will massively help you when following up later as it should refresh your mind.
The Follow-Up
Next, while the interaction is still fresh, send a thoughtful message with a call-to-action for them to do (such as following your LinkedIn). Keep it human, avoiding being too formal.
Engage With Their Content
If they post on any platforms like LinkedIn, engage with their content. Actions like these keep the connection warm without you needing to worry too much.
Send Content
Another tip is to use content as a conversation starter by sending related podcasts, articles or tools their way. This can restart conversations and show interest.
Track New Connections
Don’t just leave these new relationships to memory, using software like Google Sheet or Notion, write down the name, contact info and where you met, so these little details never slip out of your head.
Reflect
As always, after following up on the people you met, reflect on how you performed through this process and if there is anything you would now do differently. If there is, it shows that you have learnt since and therefore changed your thought process surrounding networking.
Recap
- Intention
- Notes
- Follow-up
- Engage
- Track
- Reflect
Conclusion
The best networkers are consistent and would likely follow these steps to make sure that every event leads to genuine conversations.
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