I’m a strong advocate for networking and meeting new people. It’s a valuable way to connect with those who can open doors, create partnerships, and support your career growth. However, the real power lies in the follow-up and where the relationships truly begin to blossom.
After an initial exchange, it’s easy for both parties to return to busy lives and lose touch (I’ve been there!). Following up keeps relationships active, shows your commitment, and helps you stand out as someone invested in building meaningful connections.
The art of following up doesn’t require extensive time but rather thoughtful, consistent actions that keep you top-of-mind. Here’s a guide to best practices for effective networking follow-ups.
1. Follow-Up Promptly
Timing is key! Aim to send a follow-up message within 24 hours of your first interaction. Whether you met at a conference, through a mutual connection, or exchanged messages on LinkedIn, a timely follow-up shows you’re proactive and keen to stay connected.
I once networked with someone in a line for a conference I was attending. I followed up the next day, referencing our conversation and a week or so later, he introduced me to a new prospective client who happened to be looking for someone who could support their PR efforts.
2. Personalise Your Message
When following up, add a personal touch to stand out. Rather than a generic message, reference something specific from your conversation. This small detail demonstrates that you were genuinely engaged and that you see the person as more than just a name in your contact list. Mentioning a shared interest, a topic you discussed, or sharing a relevant article can make your follow-up memorable.
Example Message: “Hi [Name], I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic] at [event]. I came across this article on [related topic] and thought it might interest you. Let’s keep in touch!”
3. Offer Value
Networking is about building mutual connections, so focus on how you can be helpful to the other person. Offering support or sharing valuable resources demonstrates that you’re not just in it for yourself but genuinely invested in adding value. Maybe you have a friend who can assist them, a tool that can assist them with work, or future networking recommendations that would benefit them.
4. Keep Communication Brief and Relevant
Respect your contact’s time by keeping your follow-ups brief and to the point. While staying in touch is important, too many lengthy messages can become overwhelming. A few lines expressing your interest in connecting further or checking in on something you previously discussed is often sufficient. People appreciate messages that get to the heart of the matter without requiring a big-time commitment to read or respond.
5. Use Different Channels of Communication
If your initial connection was on LinkedIn, don’t hesitate to switch to a mode of communication that works best for them or even reach out by phone if appropriate. Sometimes, connecting on different channels strengthens the relationship, as it shows you’re interested in connecting beyond just one medium and supporting their work across platforms.
6. Set Reminders to Check In
Networking is often about staying on the radar over time. Once you’ve made the initial follow-up, consider setting calendar reminders to check in every few months.
According to a study by Brevet, 80% of sales require at least five follow-ups to close the deal. The same principle applies to networking, and building strong professional relationships often takes time and persistence.
These check-ins don’t have to be extensive either, a simple note to see how they’re doing or to share an update on something relevant is enough.
7. Express Gratitude Along the Way
When someone helps you with a referral, provides advice, or makes an introduction, don’t forget to express gratitude in your follow-up. This simple gesture goes a long way in strengthening connections. People remember those who show genuine appreciation, and it leaves a positive, lasting impression.
8. Recognise Special Occasions
Acknowledging milestones, birthdays, or professional achievements shows that you’re paying attention to your contact’s journey. It’s a simple yet impactful way to stay on their radar and reinforce that the relationship goes beyond a one-time interaction.
Following Up Is Great but This Is Important!
While a follow-up is powerful, it’s essential to respect boundaries and know when to give people space. If you don’t get a response after a couple of follow-ups, step back and allow some time to pass before reaching out again. They may be busy, and a little breathing room can prevent your follow-ups from coming across as overly persistent.
Moving Forward…
The follow-up is an art, blending consistency, thoughtfulness, and professionalism. By personalising your messages, offering value, and respecting your contacts’ time, you can maintain relationships that might otherwise fade.
When done well, following up keeps your network strong and your professional opportunities open, building connections that grow over time.
In a world that moves fast, a well-timed follow-up can make all the difference in ensuring you stay memorable, relevant, and valued within your network.
See you next week!
