How do you stay in touch after a meetup or networking event?
This is often the make-or-break point in building connections that last. It’s daunting enough to reach out and approach people, and it can be even more challenging to stay in touch and build genuine relationships.
Let’s say that you’ve just had an excellent coffee chat with a fellow alum from your graduate school who offered to connect you with his colleagues in the marketing team at your dream company – how do you follow up without being too ‘transactional’?
After all, networking is a continuous process, and not a “one and done.” Relationship-building takes time.
Part of your networking plan should include keeping a networking map or running log of whom you’ve met, what was discussed, and a plan for follow up.
It’s a good idea to set goals to follow up with your newfound connections on a regular basis – once a quarter, to start. The frequency in which you follow up can also be contextual – e.g. is there an upcoming webinar, conference or event you discussed during the meetup that you’d both be interested in attending? If so, how about sharing a link to the event details, with an invitation to join you there?
Are there any interesting books, podcasts, articles or resources you’ve come across that could be useful to them, based on your conversation?
Networking is bi-directional and this shows your interest in THEM too.
How can you offer help? Perhaps there is a project they need assistance with. Or can you connect them directly to talent? Or to someone who knows someone? A recruiter perhaps. What information can you share that would be useful to them?
Spot opportunities where you can connect your contacts to each other – e.g. offer referrals as a means of returning a favor.
A great way to stay engaged with colleagues who’ve helped you is to keep them updated in your career progress. If they’ve offered to connect you with someone at their former company, do report back and share the outcome of your networking efforts. It builds connection, helps you stay top of mind, and most importantly, it builds trust.
It’s also an excellent way to ensure people don’t feel used when you’re networking with them.
In this Fast Company article, asking for big favors too soon (such as asking for a job) or not offering to reciprocate is a surefire way of making your connections feel used and thus sabotage your networking efforts.
So take the long view – thank your contacts, offer to help, share information, and report back on outcomes. Keep them in the loop and pay it forward!
Stay tuned for our next post in this series on Online Networking: How to Build Your Brand and Make Social Media Work for YOU.
Related Resources:
How to Ensure People Don’t Feel Used When You’re Networking With Them (Fast Company)
The Long Game – How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World (Dorie Clark)
Haven’t Networked in a While? Here’s How to Jump Back In (Harvard Business Review)
Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
