What to Do After a Networking Event: Follow-Up Strategies

Networking events can be a great way to meet new people in your industry, expand your professional network, and potentially open doors for new career opportunities. However, attending a networking event is only half the battle. The real work begins after the event is over and it’s time to follow up with the people you met.

Here are a few follow-up strategies to help you maximize the benefits of your networking efforts:

1. Send a thank-you note: Within 24 to 48 hours of the event, send a personalized thank-you note to the people you met. This can be via email, LinkedIn message, or handwritten card. In the note, reference something you talked about during the event and express your appreciation for their time.

2. Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking. After the event, send a connection request to the people you met. Personalize the message to remind them of how you met and express your interest in staying connected.

3. Schedule a follow-up meeting: If you made a meaningful connection with someone, suggest meeting up for coffee or lunch to discuss potential collaborations or opportunities. Be specific about what you’d like to discuss and suggest a few dates and times that work for you.

4. Share relevant resources: If you talked about a specific topic during the event, follow up by sharing an article or resource related to that topic. This shows that you were listening during your conversation and can help keep the conversation going.

5. Attend future events together: If you connected with someone who shares your professional interests, suggest attending future events together. This can be a great way to build a relationship and continue networking over time.

Remember, networking is about building relationships, not just exchanging business cards. By following up after a networking event, you can turn a brief encounter into a meaningful professional connection.