Following up after a networking event is crucial to staying top-of-mind with new contacts. However, there's a fine line between staying connected and being pushy. Mastering the art of follow-up is about timing, personalization, and relevance.

First, make sure to follow up within 24-48 hours of meeting. This keeps the connection fresh while showing you're proactive. A simple, friendly message like, "It was great to meet you at [event], and I enjoyed our conversation about [topic]," can go a long way in establishing rapport.

Personalization is key. Avoid generic messages that could apply to anyone. Instead, reference something specific from your conversation to remind them who you are and reinforce that the connection was meaningful. For instance, if you talked about a mutual interest in a particular industry trend, could you bring that up again?

It's also essential to provide value in your follow-up. Share a relevant article, introduce them to someone in your network, or offer insights that could benefit their business. This shows you're not just interested in what they can offer but also invested in building a mutually beneficial relationship.

Finally, give them some time if you don’t hear back right away. You can send a second follow-up a week later, but be mindful not to overwhelm them with messages.

Following these strategies will keep your new contacts engaged and create stronger, lasting professional relationships—without being overbearing.

By George Moen:  Publisher / Co-Founder WRN News

Tags: #George Moen #Networking Series #Networking 

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