Reaching out to someone after a networking encounter can feel as nerve-wracking as sending a text post-first date. It's that blend of anticipation and fear of rejection that keeps many of us treading the follow-up waters lightly. Yet, in my experience as a networking enthusiast and connector of people, I've discovered that the follow-up doesn't have to feel like a hard sell.
You’ve attended a fantastic networking event, made some promising connections, and now you're left wondering how to follow up without seeming pushy or, heaven forbid, salesy. The secret is crafting follow-ups that are as human as they are thoughtful—a balance between professionalism and genuine warmth. Here, we'll explore strategies that keep your post-event connections flourishing while staying true to who you are. Trust me, with a bit of practice, these approaches will become second nature.
Understanding the Fear of Following Up
Let's dive a little deeper here. Why does following up often feel so daunting? The discomfort often stems from a fear of imposing ourselves on others and a desire to avoid being perceived as aggressive or self-serving. Yet, when it comes down to it, most professionals are open to nurturing genuine connections that bring mutual benefit.
The anxiety linked to follow-ups isn't entirely baseless. Research on communication suggests that many of us struggle with balancing how to present ourselves in a way that's confident but not boastful, friendly but not overbearing. This balancing act can leave us feeling uncertain about our next move. Could it be that we're too focused on what the follow-up says about us, rather than what it can offer others?
The Art of the Genuine Follow-Up
When you shed the notion that follow-ups are just opportunities for self-promotion, things start to shift. They become acts of service, opportunities to help, learn, or simply share—a mindset that changes everything. Here’s how you can embrace this approach:
1. Start with Genuine Curiosity
A genuine follow-up begins with more than just thanking someone for their time. It’s about expressing authentic interest in their work or their perspective. This could be as simple as reflecting on a part of the conversation that intrigued you. A good starting point might be something like: “I really enjoyed our chat about sustainable architecture. Your perspective on urban design was insightful—I'd love to hear more about your latest projects sometime.”
2. Personalize Your Message
If there's one thing I've learned, it's the power of personalization. A one-size-fits-all approach to follow-ups hints at superficiality and can be easily dismissed. Instead, weave personal details from your conversation into your follow-up. Were they a fan of a particular book or mention a recent travel adventure? Bringing these up can show you're invested in them as a person, not just a prospect.
3. Offer Value Before Asking
Consider options to offer value before making any requests. This can be as simple as sharing an article or resource related to your conversation, or even providing your insight into a topic of mutual interest. The idea is to give something before expecting anything in return. For instance, “I recently came across an article on eco-friendly packaging that reminded me of our conversation. Thought you might find it useful!”
4. Keep It Light and Conversational
You don’t need to compose an essay. Keep your follow-up brief, just a few well-thought-out sentences. A straightforward message with a touch of personality often leaves a lasting impression. Aim for brevity and clarity with a dash of warmth, much like this: “Hey [Name], I hope this message finds you well! I thoroughly enjoyed our chat at [event] about [topic]. I'd love to continue the conversation sometime soon.”
5. Timing is Everything
Timing can be the trickiest part of following up. You don't want to appear too eager, but you also don’t want to be forgotten. The sweet spot is typically within 24-48 hours post-meeting. This shows enthusiasm while the encounter is still fresh in everyone's minds. However, each circumstance is unique—if you haven't found that perfect timing yet, know that an overdue follow-up is better than no follow-up at all.
Building Relationship Capital
Following up shouldn’t be trapped in the transactional mindset. Instead, think of it as an investment in relationship capital—a consistent effort to build meaningful connections that stand the test of time. These connections might eventually lead to collaborations, referrals, or even friendships, but the goal should always be grounded in mutual respect and interest.
Sometimes we need to challenge ourselves to go beyond our comfort zones and nurture these budding relationships. Invite a connection to a casual coffee meet-up next time they're in your area, or consider organizing small networking get-togethers with professionals who might enjoy meeting one another. In these spaces, it's not about what you can get but what you can give—and that energy is infectious.
Crafting a Sustained Follow-Up Strategy
In aiming to keep your network thriving and not fizzling out post follow-ups, consider developing a simple but effective long-term strategy:
1. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Tools like calendars or digital planners can be lifesavers in managing your connections. Set reminders to check in with your contacts periodically. It’s a great way to stay in touch without waiting until you need something from them.
2. Customize Your Communique
Regular newsletters can feel robotic if automated without any personal touches. Tailor your communique to share updates that your contacts might find beneficial or interesting. This could be industry insights, personal achievements, or even thoughtful observations.
3. Celebrate Wins Together
If you see a contact making waves or achieving a milestone, celebrate with them. A quick congratulatory note can make someone's day and strengthen your rapport. This act acknowledges their success and shows that you’re celebrating their wins as much as you would your own.
4. Develop Content Together
Consider collaborating on content or projects that align with your professional interests and theirs. It’s a way to deepen your relationship and showcase mutual expertise. Suggest co-authoring a blog post, hosting a webinar, or putting together a joint industry report.
5. Lean into Authentic Engagement
Beyond the digital communications, don't underestimate the power of face-to-face conversations. If possible, arrange in-person meetings, attend their public talks, or support their networking events. Authentic engagement is often most effective when we step beyond screens.
Illustrating With Human Touch
It’s often the smallest acts that bind a network together—the thoughtfulness of sending that follow-up message, the sincerity of expressing gratitude, the willingness to listen. Each connection is an opportunity to grow, learn, and support another.
Here's an interesting fact: Psychologists have found that acts of kindness and reaching out can boost your own happiness while strengthening your relationships. It's a win-win! This tiny act of vulnerability is the essence of building genuine connections—it champions the human side of networking over a cold business transaction.
Nurturing Single Conversations into Long-Lasting Connections
While the initial outreach is crucial, the sustenance received from ongoing nurturing of your network cannot be overstated. A robust network isn't built in a day; it requires consistent and intentional effort. Embrace every conversation as a seed, each follow-up as water, and you’ll soon watch your network bloom into a garden rich and diverse.
The Daily Essentials
Here are a few essential nuggets to keep your networking warm and vibrant:
- Make Memory a Friend: Jot down key details from your interactions to personalize future conversations.
- Give More Than You Take: Focus on offering value before asking for favors.
- Celebrate Their Wins: Contribute to positivity by acknowledging their achievements liberally.
- Stay Curious: Ask questions you genuinely want answers to—keeping curiosity alive will keep the engagement going.
- Create Common Ground: Find topics or activities that you both enjoy and use these as a platform for deeper interactions.
The Follow-Up Finale: Making Connections Count
Each networking experience is a treasure trove of potential—a mutual exchange of knowledge, opportunities, and growth. By refining your follow-up technique to be more authentic and selfless, you can revolutionize the way you connect with others, building a network that's robust, supportive, and incredibly rewarding.
No more salesy remnants, no more awkward exchanges. Just a genuine, human-centric approach to keeping the lines of communication warm and productive. The real magic lies in the follow-up. So, let’s make it count in ways that are meaningful—one thoughtful message at a time.
