If you attend networking events regularly but don’t follow up with the people you meet, you’re missing out!
Not following up with like-minded individuals you meet at networking events could result in missed business opportunities. So, go out there and contact the people you met at the last networking event.
If you don’t know how to follow up on a networking event, don’t worry. Below, you will find a list of helpful tips and ideas!
How to Follow Up On a Networking Event: 10 Options
Networking events can help like-minded individuals connect, exchange ideas, and build strong business connections. So, if you’re ever invited to a local networking event, don’t miss out on the chance to meet new people that can benefit your career.
Moreover, don’t forget to follow up with the people you meet after the event. Otherwise, you can miss possible opportunities. If you don’t know how to reconnect with the people you met at your last networking event, here’s a list of helpful tips and ideas.
1. How About Sending a Personalized Email?
You can send the individuals you met a personalized email within 24-48 hours after the event. Thank them for their time, and include something specific from your conversation to help refresh their memory.
Sending a personalized email shows that you’re attentive to details, a good listener, and interested in further collaboration.
2. Find the Person on LinkedIn
Many professionals connect via LinkedIn. So, look up the name of those you met at the event on LinkedIn and send them a short message. Mention your last conversation and express your interest in further collaboration.
3. Schedule a Follow-Up Meeting
If you believe you had a good conversation with someone at the event, suggest meeting for a second time.
If you have the person’s number, email, or social media profile, reach out within 24-48 hours after the event and invite them for a coffee or lunch in a public setting.
This will show the person you’re serious about collaborating on future projects.
4. Exchange Valuable Information
If you come across a resource or article that you think would be valuable to the person you met at the event, share it with them over a message, email, etc.
This helps to present yourself as a good listener and a valuable resource. Moreover, it’s a great way to continue your conversation and pave the way for future collaborations.
5. Don’t Miss Out on Future Events
If somehow you lost contact with everyone you met at the last networking event, don’t worry. You can attend similar events and reconnect with those you met at the previous ones.
There’s a huge possibility the people who attended the previous event will attend similar ones.
However, don’t forget to write down their names, emails, or phone numbers this time.
6. Send a Handwritten Note
If you only have the person’s business or private address, you can send a handwritten “thank you” note. This personal touch can make a lasting impression.
Express your gratitude for their time and interest in staying in touch. Moreover, include your business card so the person can reach out.
7. Offer Your Insight and Help
If someone at the event was discussing their projects with you and you have experience in the field, you can offer your insight and help via phone or email.
This could help build your network and present yourself as a valuable asset.
8. Look Up Their Social Media Profiles
If you remember the person’s name and appearance, you can look up their social media profiles and send a friend request.
They will accept your friend request if they’re up for a collaboration.
9. Attend a Related Event Together
If you find new events related to your field that you think someone you met at the event would be interested in, invite them to attend it together.
This is a great way to catch up and deepen your connection.
10. Patience, Patience, Patience!
You can’t build strong and meaningful business relationships overnight. So, stay patient and don’t expect immediate results.
Staying in touch with the individuals you meet and providing consistent value will attract new opportunities in the future.
In a nutshell, following up after a networking event can help you build new relationships that benefit your career. Apply the tips above, and you will soon build a network that can help you achieve your goals.
How Do You Write a Follow-Up Letter After a Networking Event?
Writing a follow-up letter after a networking event can seem scary if you’ve never written one before in your career, but don’t worry.
With the following tips, you can write a follow-up letter quickly and easily:
- Start with a simple greeting and thank the individual for their time.
- Personalize your letter and mention something specific from your conversation.
- Also, mention why you enjoyed your last conversation and how you can help each other’s careers.
- Invite the person for a coffee or lunch to continue the conversation or suggest another way to stay in touch.
- End the letter with a simple “Thank you” and your contact details.
- Keep your message short and professional.
- Finally, proofread your message before sending it.
How Do You Ask Someone to Connect After Networking?
Asking someone to connect after networking can feel scary. However, most individuals welcome new connections, so don’t be scared to reach out in the following ways:
- Ask if you can exchange numbers or emails to stay in touch.
- If you already have the person’s email, number, or address, send a personalized email, message, or letter referencing something specific from your last talk. Invite the person for a second meeting and close with your contact information.
- Suggest connecting on platforms like LinkedIn.
- Call the person and invite them for coffee or lunch in a public setting.
- Invite the person to visit a similar event together.
Conclusion
Following up with people you meet at a networking event can help you turn a short talk into a meaningful connection that can benefit your career.
So, don’t be scared to reach out to the people you meet at these events in various ways and put yourself out there!
Remember that most professionals welcome new connections and would gladly accept your coffee or lunch offer.