The Aftermath: What Happens After You’ve Shaken Hands and Exchanged Cards?
You’ve just spent an evening mingling, sipping lukewarm coffee, and trying not to spill hors d’oeuvres on your best business attire. Congrats, you’ve survived a networking event! But now what? If you’re like most people, you’re probably wondering, Do I just toss these business cards in a drawer and forget about them?
Let’s be real – >networking events can feel awkward and forced. You might be thinking, I met so many people, but will any of these connections actually lead to something? Well, my friend, that’s where the follow-up comes in. It’s like the second date after a successful first meetup – crucial for turning that initial spark into a lasting relationship.
The 24-Hour Rule: Strike While the Iron’s Hot
Remember that person you hit it off with over your shared love of obscure 80s movies? Don’t let that connection fizzle out! The golden rule is to follow up within 24 hours. Why? Because you’re still fresh in their mind, and they haven’t had time to forget about you or that hilarious Back to the Future joke you cracked.
Pro tip: Jot down a quick note on the back of their business card about what you talked about. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re trying to remember which John was the one with the pet llama.
Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up: Keep It Short, Sweet, and Specific
Now, I’m not talking about sending a novel-length email detailing your entire life story. Keep it brief, but make it personal. Something like:
Hey Sarah, it was great meeting you at the Tech Meetup last night. I really enjoyed our chat about AI in healthcare. I’d love to grab a coffee sometime and hear more about your startup. How does next week look for you?
See what I did there? I referenced where we met, what we talked about, and suggested a next step. It’s like the networking equivalent of You had me at hello – simple, effective, and hopefully leading to a beautiful professional friendship.
LinkedIn: Your New Best Friend
If you’re not using LinkedIn for follow-ups, you’re missing out big time. It’s like Facebook for professionals, minus the cat videos (usually). Send a connection request with a personalized message reminding them where you met. Bonus points if you can mention something specific you discussed – it shows you were actually listening and not just scanning the room for better >networking prospects.
The Art of Adding Value
Want to really stand out? Offer something of value in your follow-up. Maybe you came across an article relevant to your conversation, or you know someone who could help with a problem they mentioned. It’s like bringing a bottle of wine to a dinner party – a small gesture that goes a long way.
For example: Hi Tom, I remembered you mentioning your interest in sustainable packaging. I just read this fascinating article on biodegradable plastics – thought you might find it interesting. [Insert link]
The Follow-Up to the Follow-Up: Playing the Long Game
So you’ve sent that initial message, maybe even had that coffee meetup. Now what? This is where most people drop the ball. >networking isn’t a one-and-done deal – it’s about building relationships over time.
Set reminders to check in periodically. Share interesting industry news, congratulate them on achievements you see on LinkedIn, or simply ask how they’re doing. It’s like watering a plant – consistent attention helps the relationship grow.
When Things Go Silent: The Art of Graceful Persistence
We’ve all been there – you send a follow-up and… crickets. Don’t take it personally. People are busy, emails get buried, life happens. It’s okay to send a gentle reminder after a week or two. Something like:
Hey Alex, hope this finds you well. I know things can get hectic, so I just wanted to circle back on my previous message. If you’re up for that coffee chat, I’m still interested. If not, no worries at all!
It’s like that friend who checks in when you’ve been MIA – caring, not creepy.
The Bottom Line: It’s Not Just Who You Know, It’s How You Nurture Those Connections
Following up after networking events isn’t about collecting business cards like Pokémon. It’s about turning those fleeting conversations into meaningful professional relationships. So next time you’re standing in a room full of strangers, clutching a name tag and a drink, remember – the real work starts after you say goodbye.
Now go forth and follow up like a pro. Your future self (and your career) will thank you.
