Effective Follow-Up After Networking

6 Follow Up Templates That Keep Networking Conversations Alive: 1. The Value-First Follow Up Aim to add value to an initiative you know they're working on: "Hi Sarah, saw your company just announced the new product launch. I came across this article on similar launches in your industry. Thought it might spark some ideas for your marketing strategy. Hope the launch prep is going smoothly!" 2. The Specific Question Angle Asking specific questions shows credibility and can get you info you can use to add value: "Hey David, been thinking about our coffee chat last week. You mentioned struggling with team retention in H2. Have you tried implementing "retention interviews" yet? I saw 3 companies in tech reduce turnover by 40% using them, here's a link to that data." 3. The Introduction Offer Networking is hard (as you know!). Offering to make an intro is a great way to add value to two people: "Hi Jessica, following up from our chat. You mentioned needing a UI/UX designer for that new AI feature. My former colleague Anna just went freelance and she's brilliant. She redesigned our entire app in 6 weeks last year. Happy to make an intro if you're still looking!" 4. The Industry Update Hook Leveraging a shift in the market or industry can be a great way to spark a follow up conversation: "Hey Marcus, did you see [Company]'s new Slack-free hours announcement? It directly impacts what we discussed about interrupted work and team output. Could be something worth looking into for your team?" 5. The Achievement Celebration Everyone loves to be recognized for their achievements. Be that person! "Lisa! Just saw you got promoted to VP on LinkedIn. I remember you mentioned being in an interview process when we met for coffee. I know how stressed you were about the interview with the C-Level. Looks like you crushed it! Would love to hear about your new role if you're up for a chat in the next week or two." 6. The Resource Share Sharing resources aligned with your contact's needs is one of the best ways to stay top of mind: "Hi Tom, I know you'd mentioned how much time your sales team was spending on pre-qualification. A connection of mine just shared an AI automation flow that solves for that exact problem. He said it's saved his team 15+ hours per week and led to more sales. I grabbed a copy if you'd like to see it. Just let me know!" —— ➕ Follow Austin Belcak for more 🔵 Ready to land your dream job? Click here to learn more about how we help people land amazing jobs in ~3.5 months with a $44k raise: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

"𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗗𝗢 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗘?" This is the response a woman I met this week received from someone she reached out to. She shares, "So, I'm attempting to shift from operational-level relationships to strategic ones. I've noticed that when you invite someone for coffee, the immediate question often is, "What do you want from me?" Networking, at its core, should be straightforward, yet many women, including myself, find ourselves caught in the web of overthinking. 👉 Women often ponder the "𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁" way to network. 👉 Fear of being seen as "𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱" can deter women from making the first move. 👉 The worry of "𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵" in return can unnecessarily complicate networking intentions. 👉 Concerns over the "𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴" for outreach lead to missed opportunities. 👉 Misinterpreting a '𝗻𝗼' as personal rather than a matter of circumstance. 👉 The quest for the "𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲" overshadows the importance of genuine interaction. Embracing simplicity and direct communication can significantly unburden the networking process, making it more effective and less stressful. For example: "Hello [Name], I've admired your recent contributions to [specific field or project] and see a great opportunity for my own growth by learning from you. Understanding your schedule may be tight, I'm flexible and would appreciate it if we could find a convenient time for a 30-minute coffee discussion to explore your experiences. When might it be feasible for you?" One woman asked how she could reconnect with a sponsor after having not spoken to him for over a year without sounding transactional. I suggested she write something like this: "Hello [Sponsor's Name], I recently reflected on the pivotal role your sponsorship played in my success, especially after attending an enlightening event on sponsorship. It's been over a year, and I'd truly value the chance to reconnect and share how your support has been instrumental to my growth. Could we find 30 minutes to catch up at your convenience? Receiving this message would likely make a sponsor feel deeply appreciated and genuinely surprised. Let's infuse RAW leadership into our approach to networking. Let's be 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 in our intentions, 𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 in authenticity, and 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗬 of trust and respect. How do you overcome nervousness when networking?

A lot of the value of attending or speaking at a conference doesn’t come from being there. It comes from what you do afterwards. How many times have you come back from a conference or event and thought, “I should’ve done more to maximize that experience”? Not just attending the sessions or showing up at the networking receptions, but turning it into something meaningful for your visibility, your relationships and your business development efforts. Me too 🙋🏼♀️ It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives, especially after returning from a conference and then move on to the next thing without following up. What you proactively do after the event is what can turn conversations into relationships and visibility into opportunity. Here are some ways to make the most of attending your next conference: ✔️ Prioritize the people you met and follow up with context on LinkedIn or by email, referencing your conversation and suggesting a clear next step ✔️ Follow up with organizers to share feedback and express interest in speaking or getting involved in future programming ✔️ Turn your conference notes into key takeaways and share them as content (LinkedIn post, blog post or short video) connected to your work, your clients or what you’re seeing in the market ✔️ Host your own webinar to recap key themes and extend the conversation ✔️ Interview speakers or attendees whose perspectives stood out and use that content in a webinar, blog post or on social media ✔️ Host an internal recap to share key insights and connect them to your team’s work ✔️ Turn questions or conversations from the event into content or targeted outreach ✔️ Share insights from the event in an email newsletter ✔️ Add relevant new contacts to your email list so you can stay visible with them ✔️ Create a simple system to stay in touch with the people who matter most ✔️ Review the attendee list and reach out to people you didn’t meet ✔️ Follow up with speakers you admired, even if you didn’t connect in person ✔️ Identify one trend or theme you kept hearing across conversations and proactively share that perspective with clients or colleagues You already put in the time and energy to be there. This is how you carry that momentum forward. Which of these ideas resonated most with you? #LegalMarketing #ClientDevelopment #LinkedInTips #BusinessDevelopment #PersonalBrandingTips

"Let me know if you have any questions." "Happy to discuss further." "Looking forward to your thoughts." Every time you end a follow-up with these wimpy closes, you're asking busy executives to do work they won't do. They're not going to think of questions. They're not going to schedule a follow-up call. They're not going to send you their thoughts. They're going to delete your email and move on with their actual job. The fix is making the next step so easy that a drunk executive could do it. Instead of "let me know if you have questions," embed your calendar link directly in the email. One click to book time. Instead of "happy to discuss further," Create a simple yes/no decision box: "Ready to see the ROI calculation? Yes | No" Instead of hoping they'll respond with their availability, give them three specific time slots to choose from. The most powerful follow-up technique? Use their exact words from your call. When Jessica said she's "bleeding money on software licenses," don't paraphrase it. Quote it exactly. Reference her Thursday board meeting. Add one insight she didn't know. There's nothing more impossible to ignore than hearing your own words reflected back with new value attached. Your generic templates sound like every other vendor they're ghosting. But your personalized follow-ups that reference specific moments from your conversation get responses. Stop making prospects do the work of figuring out next steps. Start making it obvious how they move forward. Every follow-up is life or death for your deal. Most AEs are committing suicide with their own emails. Don’t be like most AEs.

I MISSED THE OPPORTUNITIES! There was a time when I would speak at events and not fully seize the opportunities before me. Too focused on the performance of my talk, I overlooked the chance to build my network and meet potential collaborators. I realised I needed to make the most of each speaking opportunity. So I put together a strategy to connect more effectively with my audience, ensuring every interaction could lead to deeper relationships and future collaborations. Here’s how I changed my approach to audience engagement: ONE ↳ Meet and greet networking - I started actively networking with my audience, treating it like a meet and greet. This face-to-face interaction made my presence more memorable and personal. TWO ↳ Resource kit via QR Code - I created a QR code for attendees to scan, giving them access to a resource kit related to my talk, like a parting gift that keeps giving. This could be my slides or additional content to help them take further action. THREE ↳ Business literature - I ensured that everyone could leave with my contact information through well-crafted business literature, making it easy for them to reach out later. FOUR ↳ Collaboration with organisers - I worked with event organisers to feature in their follow-up emails. This not only reinforced my message but also kept my name in circulation among the attendees. FIVE ↳ Post-talk conversations - Staying behind to answer questions or have further discussions showed my commitment to the audience beyond just delivering a talk. And guess what? It worked. These steps didn’t just enrich my speaking engagements; they turned each appearance into a networking opportunity. I started building a strong network, discovering great opportunities, and developing long-term relationships. Now, every time I step off the stage, the conversation isn’t over; it’s just beginning. Engaging with the audience post-talk has taught me that the true value of speaking engagements often comes after the applause stops. It’s all about the follow-up. To anyone looking to make the most out of their speaking opportunities: Don’t just share your knowledge, be ready to build lasting connections. It’s these relationships that will carry your message further and open new doors. To your successes, Zoe

Wish to decode the art of networking in corporate events? Do you go to various corporate events but struggle to establish valuable connections? It’s all about the follow up!! Strong follow-up strategies convert these events from a collection of handshakes and business cards to the starting point of potential long-term business relationships. Here are some intuitive yet impactful ways to transform those initial meetings into fruitful collaborations: 1️⃣Timeliness is Key: Follow up within 48 hours of the event. This time frame ensures your conversation is still fresh in their minds, making your outreach more meaningful. 2️⃣Personalize Your Approach: Generic emails get lost in the shuffle. Tailor your message by referencing a specific topic from your conversation. This shows genuine interest and sets the tone for a personalized connection. 3️⃣Offer Value in Your Follow-Up: Instead of a simple "nice to meet you," include something of value in your follow-up. This could be an article relevant to your discussion, an introduction to a contact in your network, or an invitation to an upcoming industry event. Providing value demonstrates that you're interested in a mutually beneficial relationship. 4️⃣Use Multiple Channels Wisely: While email is standard, don't shy away from connecting on LinkedIn with a personalized note. For deeper connections, a phone call can be more effective. Choose the medium based on the rapport you established. 5️⃣Set the Stage for the Next Interaction: Instead of leaving the conversation open-ended, propose a specific follow-up action. This could be a coffee meeting, a scheduled call to discuss potential collaborations, or an invitation to another relevant event. Remember, successful networking doesn't end at the event; it's just beginning. With these strategies, you can turn brief encounters into lasting business relationships, paving the way for growth and new opportunities. #networking #businessevents #offlineevents #meetings #B2B #GTM #ABM #marketing #linkedincreators

Do you ever ask strangers out for coffee? The other day I messaged Ben M. on LinkedIn after noticing his posts - he was talking about hosting hackathons and being active in Winnipeg’s startup scene. We’d never met. I simply thought: how do I not know this person yet? He seems like a great member of our local tech and startup community! I also noticed we had many connections in common. He was quick to say yes to a coffee - so without any lead up conversation, we met at Le Croissant. The point when they walk in might feel a tad awkward (only because you do not know them at all yet), but push past it. It is all in your head. Ten minutes in, we were swapping life stories and trading help. He’s building an SMS tool for event organizers (already used at major events in Canada!). And I’m an event MC who lives inside conferences. We had so much overlap. We traded ideas, offered to make intros, and left with a list of ways to support each other - and our community. ---- Here's a few things that make a 'cold' coffee meetup work: 1) Prep the person and the context. Read their LinkedIn, recent posts, and what they’re building - then show up curious. 2) Start with alignment. Why this meeting? “We both care about Winnipeg’s tech/startup community” was our anchor. 3) Ask early: “How can I help?” It opens the best doors. Try to leave with one concrete next step (and then be sure to follow through!). If you’ve been meaning to reach out to someone local, here’s the one-liner I used that might help you: “Hi [Name] - I loved your post about [specific thing]. It's exciting to see that kind of energy here in [city]. I’m [your role] and love to often get involved in this too. Are you up for a coffee next week? No agenda at all, just curious to connect with another builder and exchange ideas." Do you do this? Do you remember to make time for networking? P.S. If you want more tips, I am doing a free-to-attend webinar Dec 19 on how to master these skills; check it out via Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship. #Winnipeg #Networking #NetworkingTips

In my recent conversation with Natalie (Corporate Natalie), we talked about the (dreaded? hated? misunderstood?) coffee chats. 📖💡 Unforgettable Presence Insight: There’s a right way and wrong way to approach a coffee chat. (Hint: Don’t ask to “pick someone’s brain.”) Here’s what Corporate Natalie had to share about how to make them work for everyone involved: 👉 When you ask someone more senior for their time, come prepared.  Know their current projects, past work, and have ideas on how you can contribute. A well-thought-out chat can make a lasting impression. 👉 Give to get. Don’t just show up to “pick someone’s brain.”  Offer something in return, even if it’s just a small task you can help with. This shows you value their time and are serious about building a mutually beneficial relationship. 👉 Own the agenda.  Don’t wait for the other person to lead the conversation. Come with a clear agenda and take the initiative to start the discussion. And, my favorite piece of advice when it comes to networking — follow up. The value of a coffee chat doesn’t end when the meeting does. Send a follow-up note to express your appreciation and reiterate any key points or next steps. This helps in building a lasting relationship rather than just a one-off encounter. How we approach these interactions can make all the difference in our presence and how others perceive us. 💬 Your Turn: How do you ensure your coffee chats are impactful?

If you are knee-deep in a job search and feel like you are running in circles, your network WANTS to help you! Here are some thoughts on how to make it easier for us to champion you: 1. Get Crystal Clear on the Problem You Solve. - One sentence, problem + solution -"I help X by doing Y." -Example: "I help contact centers reduce expenses by diagnosing top call drivers and designing reduction plans." -When your ask is clear, I know exactly who to introduce you to. 2. Name Your Ideal Stakeholder/Target. -Who cares about the outcomes? Who holds the budget for your area of influence? -"I partner with marketing VPs to turn analytics into campaign ROI." -Pinpointing your audience makes my referral considerations laser-focused. 3. Treat Your Job Hunt Like a Project. -Research companies (e.g. 10 targets/day) -Send resumes (e.g. 25 tailored apps/wk) -Know your numbers by tracking your responses: e.g. 1 callback per 50 application submissions, 1 HR screening call per 10 conversations with people in my network. -Log your numbers, analyze what's working, and iterate- just like at work. -Those daily targets keep you motivated and informed where you are and how much more effort is required to reach the next milestone. 4. Uncover Your Unique Brand -Ask 3 people you trust: "If you needed help with X, why would you pick me?" -Their answers reveal what sets you apart- words you can borrow in your pitch and Linkedin headline. 5. Reimagine Follow-Up as a Value Campaign -Instead of "just checking in, " send something that helps them; relevant article or tool; an introduction to someone in your network; a quick insight on a topic you discussed. -Each touchpoint reminds people you're resourceful and relationship oriented- so when opportunity arises, you're top of mind. As someone who can help another find a job, what would you add to this list? #jobseeker #mentor #10x #leadership #networking

Most entrepreneurs fail not because they don’t follow up… They fail because they follow up the wrong way. Here’s the hard truth: No one likes being hounded or sold too aggressively. But that doesn’t mean you should stop following up. The real key is learning how to do it strategically. Here’s how to follow up without feeling “salesy”: 1️⃣ Use their name in every follow-up. Example: “Hi [Name], I wanted to circle back on [topic]...” Personalization shows you care. 2️⃣ Provide value in your message. Share a quick tip, resource, or insight they’d find useful. Example: “I saw this article and thought of our conversation!” 3️⃣ Acknowledge their silence (politely). Example: “I understand you’re busy, but I’d love your feedback...” A little empathy goes a long way. 4️⃣ Ask for a micro-commitment. Example: “Does next Tuesday work for a quick 10-minute chat?” Smaller asks are easier to say yes to. 5️⃣ Space out your follow-ups. Follow this sequence: ↳ 1st message: After 1-2 days ↳ 2nd message: After 4-5 days ↳ 3rd message: After 7-10 days 6️⃣ Know when to step back. After 3-4 attempts, respectfully leave the door open. Example: “If now isn’t the right time, I completely understand. Let me know when it works better for you!” Following up isn’t about “closing the deal.” It’s about building trust and relationships. Which of these tips will you try first? Or do you have a favorite follow-up strategy? Share it below—I’d love to learn from you!