How to follow up after 
networking (12 ways to follow up)
A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article about Following Up with prospects to build relationships.
I imagine some of you are wondering how you build a process that includes 12 ways to follow up.
After the initial meeting at a networking event or from a referral you’ll want to have at least 12 ways to follow up.
1) An email to suggest an “In person Coffee” or an “Virtual Tea”
2) The meeting (either In Person or Virtual.)
3) A hand written note: Thanking them for their time, do not include your business card.
4) Invite them to an event where you are a speaker, organizer or sponsor.
5) Send them an article related to their business. To find relevant articles you can set up google alerts.
6) Send a birthday card. You can ask your VA to call them and get their birthday (month & day).
7) If they are not on your list – send them an email inviting them to receive your free offer.
8) Host a tele-seminar or virtual event and invite them.
9) Ask them who they would like to be connected to.
10) Refer them to a vendor who can solve one of their problems that is one you don’t focus on.
11) Send them a link to one of your videos where you share a solution or idea that they might be interested in.
12) Connect with the person on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
Once you’ve decided which of these will work for you and which ones you might want to change. You want to create a high level plan to help you stay on track. The initial contact should be done within 24 hours of meeting.
You might need to send a follow up email if they don’t respond within a few days. The Thank You email should also be sent within 24 hours of the meeting. Depending on the results of this initial meeting (are they a prospect with an immediate need or someone with a future need) you’ll need to decide what the next few steps are.
As you put your prospects through this process you’ll begin to see what works best and what’s not working. Keep adjusting your process until you have one that works between 80 and 90% of the time. Don’t try to make it 100% perfect.
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Jane works with CEOs, Partners, Principals and Executives who are looking for Clarity, Focus and Release. My clients and colleagues call me a thought provoking Business Therapist. My focus is helping overwhelmed executives regain clarity, let go of ambiguity, uncertainty and fear, while bringing focus to their goals and objectives. I ask the hard questions knowing that you’re ready to answer them.
The Sage Mentor – Grow Your Business program is designed to help women entrepreneurs increase sales and expedite growth of their business.
Jane is also the author of Put Your Big Girl Panties On and Kick Your Fears in the Ass.
Additional information is available at www.lovasconsulting.com. Contact Jane by email jlovas@lovasconsulting.com or by telephone at 703.981.3157
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I like #9 a lot as I find that most times people ask me for my card, I can end up on someone’s email list or being offered their services, versus building a relationship.
I also make sure I always remind them of how we met, and follow up on something they talked about. Good tips, thanks!
Jessica,
Reminding them how you met is also a great idea.
Thanks,
-jane
Great list of follow up tips. And these tips shouldn’t be use just for in-person networking. Most of them work just as well for online networking. There’s nothing like having a virtual cup of coffee with a new LinkedIn connection to really build your relationship.
Andrea,
You are correct. These tips can be for in-person or online networking. I agree a “Virtual Tea” is a great way to connect.
I love this list! In my business I help people nurture their business relationships and all of these are great ways to do that. They say it takes an average of 7 touches to make a sale, so if the person you met is a prospect, it is important to implement a variety of these techniques over time to stay top of mind.
I have also heard that if a person doesn’t hear from you within 28 days, they have already forgotten you. It’s not that they don’t like you or don’t want to give you a referral, they just forget. It is great to connect with people multiple times in multiple ways after the initial meeting. It strengthens the relationship and keeps you top of mind.
Deb Brown
Client Retention Specialist, Gift Guru, Chief WOW Creator
Touch Your Client’s Heart
Wondering how to WOW your clients? I have some ideas. http://www.WOWClientsNOW.com
Deb,
Thank you for your comments. I hadn’t heard about the 28 days.
-jane
Networking is not one of my favorite things. I feel really awkward. I enjoy meeting new people. I really do, but I’m one of those very shy, intuitive, introverted types.
That being said I really value your suggestions here. I definitely have to bookmark this post as I’m always looking for ways to follow up with new people that don’t leave me feeling really socially awkward, spammy or slimy. I am always at such a loss and tongue-tied. Thank you so much!
Isis,
I know when I have something already planned it’s so much easier to do. Even if the plan is to pick one of the 12.
Thanks,
-jane
Jane, love this list. I think it is so important for networking to be about building the relationship for the long-term, not trying for the sale – so I loved that so many of your tips focused on that.
Leslie Hassler
Business Strategist | Time Leverage Stickler | The Queen of Healthy Boundaries
Your Biz Rules – http://www.yourbizrules.com
Leslie,
Thank you, It can be a challenge to focus on the relationship if you don’t know how.
-jane
Great list! I know I’m like many who don’t do enough to follow up. Thank you for this.
Great tips in the post and the comments, thansk for sharing Jane. I don’t follow up enough and I don’t like to hand out cards as I’ll be added to a mailing list!
Sarah,
I hope you’re getting cards. I know of someone who says he doesn’t give out cards (because so few people follow up) so he only get’s cards. I thought that was a unique idea.
-jane