The follow up is one of the most important rules of networking etiquette. The faster you reach out, the better.
When
Immediately. If possible, send a follow up email immediately after an event. The rule I set was this:
If the networking event was before 5pm, I’d pursue the relationship immediately when I got back to my office or wherever I was next working. If the event was after 5pm, I’d follow up the next morning before my first appointment. I usually had my first appointment at a coffee shop, so I’d show up 15 minutes early and do all my follow ups before my first appointment would arrive. This rule just became routine, so it was easy for me to be the first to reach out.
Pro tip: Check your inbox before you send the emails. If someone reached out first, which will be rare if you follow my rule, getting back to them promptly will be equally as beneficial.
What a Fast Follow Up Says
Regardless of if you’re looking for a customer or a referral partner, a fast follow up says “I’m going to handle any work sent my way promptly.” That’s usually a very important criteria for potential customers.
Beyond that, it’s easier to remember someone the next day versus a week later. Often, people you meet networking are meeting hundreds of new people per week. You need to put in the effort to build a meaningful relationship.
What to Say in a Follow Up
I’ve developed the following language over years and dozens of iterations. This is what worked best for me.
“Dear ______,
It was a pleasure meeting you at __________. I’d love to connect with you one on one sometime in the near future to learn more about your business and learn how we can mutually benefit each others’ businesses. Please let me know what your availability looks like in the next couple weeks, and we’ll find a time to connect.
Sincerely,
Richard Bobholz”
It’s short, sweet, and contains enough information they’ll hopefully remember who you are. It’s also important your email isn’t all about you. The point of networking is to build a relationship, and relationships cannot be one sided. Feel free to add a little detail about what you discussed when you first met if you think it’s something that will boost the connection.
For example, if you discussed running ultramarathons, add in something like, “I enjoyed chatting with you about ultramarathons.” This personal connection helps boost a connection between the two of you.
Conclusion
Now you have the networking etiquette rule about following up. Do it immediately if at all possible, and always by the next day. Make it a routine so it is easier to ensure your email is prompt. It’s good to be known as the person who always follows up first.
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