Building a thriving network is essential for both personal and professional growth. Networking events, such as conferences, meetups, and job fairs, are great opportunities to meet new people, but what happens next? Following up is the key to transforming a one-time meeting into a long-term relationship. In this blog post, I’ll share practical tips on how to follow up effectively and build a thriving network that can benefit you in various ways.

Why Following Up Matters 📈🤝

Following up is more than sending a simple “Nice meeting you” text or email. The goal is to create a genuine connection with the person you met and establish a long-term relationship. Following up can lead to new opportunities, such as job offers, collaborations, and mentorships. Furthermore, staying in touch with your network can help you stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

A graphic that shows two people shaking hands with a thought bubble above their heads that says "stay in touch"

Tips for Effective Follow-Up 📝💡

1. Take Notes and Gather Contact Information 📝👋

Before attending a networking event, bring a notebook and pen to take notes. Jot down the names, job titles, and companies of the people you meet, along with any relevant details of your conversation. Additionally, collect their contact information, such as email addresses and LinkedIn profiles. Having this information in one place will make it easier for you to follow up later.

A notebook and a pen beside a stack of business cards

2. Send a Follow-Up Email 📩👋

Within 24-48 hours of meeting someone new, send a follow-up email to express your gratitude for their time and reiterate your interest in staying in touch. Be sure to personalize the message by mentioning something from your conversation to show that you were paying attention. Furthermore, include a call-to-action that encourages the recipient to respond or schedule a follow-up meeting.

A screenshot of an email with a custom subject line that says "Great to meet you at XYZ Conference!"

3. Connect on LinkedIn 🔗🌐

LinkedIn is a valuable tool for professional networking. After a networking event, send a LinkedIn connection request to the people you met. When sending the request, add a personalized message that reminds them of your conversation and express your interest in staying connected. Additionally, keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date with relevant information about your skills, experience, and achievements.

A screenshot of a LinkedIn profile with a creative headline, a professional profile picture, and a complete career summary

4. Check-In Regularly 📆📲

Building a network requires ongoing communication and effort. Set reminders to check in with your network regularly via email, text, or social media. Additionally, keep track of their career milestones and achievements to stay informed and congratulate them appropriately. Remember, building a relationship takes time and effort, so don’t expect immediate results.

A calendar on a phone with an alert for a follow-up call with a caption that reads "Check in with your network regularly"

Conclusion 🌟🤝

Following up is an art that requires persistence, effort, and genuine interest in building a relationship. By taking notes, sending follow-up emails, connecting on LinkedIn, and checking in regularly, you can establish a thriving network that can benefit you in various ways. Remember to be patient, authentic, and respectful when following up with people. Building a network is a long-term investment that can pay off in countless ways.

A group of people at a networking event with a caption that reads "Building a network is a long-term investment"