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BOOK EXCERPT
📖 The Networking Follow-Up Secret Most People Forget
Excerpted and adapted from 3 Simple Networking Tactics book by Bart Smith
Reprinted by Permission
Most people think networking happens at the event. It does not. The event is where you meet. The relationship is built afterward.
You can have the best conversation of the night, exchange contact information, promise to talk again and then lose the entire opportunity simply because nobody follows up. The secret most people forget is simple:
Be the first to follow up - and then stay in touch.
FOLLOW UP WHILE THE CONNECTION IS STILL FRESH
Do not wait until the person barely remembers you. Reach out within 24 to 72 hours whenever possible. Mention where you met, what you talked about and any promise or next step you discussed. A personal follow-up instantly separates you from the majority of people who collect business cards and do nothing with them.
How can I help the people I meet?
When you make that your focus, networking becomes easier. You no longer have to walk into the room worrying about how you are going to impress everyone.
Your job is to learn.
15 SIMPLE FOLLOW-UP TACTICS
1. Create a contact system.
Use a CRM, spreadsheet, Google Contacts, Outlook or another simple method you will actually maintain.
2. Research the person after the event.
Look at their website, LinkedIn profile or business information so you understand them better before the next conversation.
3. Add useful notes to the contact record.
Record where you met, what you discussed and what you promised to do.
4. Contact them within 24 to 72 hours.
Momentum matters. The longer you wait, the more likely the connection fades.
5. Send a personal email.
Remind them who you are and reference something specific from your conversation.
6. Call when the relationship warrants it.
A short phone call can move a relationship forward faster than a long email exchange.
7. Connect on social media.
LinkedIn, Facebook or another appropriate platform can help you stay visible and learn more about their work.
8. Send what you promised.
If you offered a resource, referral, link, book, introduction or information, follow through quickly.
9. Make the introduction you said you would make.
A timely introduction proves that you listen and that your word means something.
10. Share useful opportunities.
Tell them about events, people or resources they may benefit from.
11. Schedule coffee, lunch or a call.
If the first conversation had real potential, get the next conversation on the calendar.
12. Post and share appropriate event photos.
Tag people when appropriate and help keep the event and connections visible.
13. Write about the event.
Share what you learned, who you met and what ideas came out of the experience.
14. Follow up again later.
One message is not always enough. People get busy. A friendly follow-up weeks or months later may arrive at the perfect time.
15. Stay in touch for the long term.
The real value of networking comes from relationships that remain active, not contacts that disappear after one event.
THE REAL GOAL IS NOT CONTACT - IT'S CONTINUITY
Your network becomes valuable when you maintain it.
Send a message when you see something relevant. Congratulate people when they accomplish something. Refer business when you can. Invite them to events. Check in occasionally.
Networking success is not measured only by how many people you meet.
It is measured by how many relationships you continue to build.
FINAL THOUGHT
Meeting someone is easy.
Following up is where most people disappear.
Be the one who reaches out first. Keep your promises. Stay in touch. That simple habit can turn a five-minute conversation into a relationship that lasts for years.
(THIS CONTINUES IN THE BOOK)
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