How to Follow Up After Meeting Someone | Networking Hacks
So you’ve met someone new and had a great coffee chat. You would love to build on this work relationship and spend more time getting to know them, but you’re unsure of what the next step should be.
Here are 5 ways you can follow up after networking:
1. Focus on what you can do for that person
Give first, expect nothing in return. Is there anything that you can do to help this person? Did they mention something during your first coffee chat that you may be able to help with? For example, is their daughter/son is applying to college? Perhaps you could suggest introducing them to other people you know that studied at that college to offer advice and support?
This is a great way to level the playing field and show the other person that you have genuine interest in them and their wellbeing.
2. Take some of their suggestions
If you genuinely valued their advice then take it! Read that book they recommended or watch that interview. People love to hear that they have been able to help someone else and share enjoyment for something.
A quick email “thank you so much for recommending XYZ book, I have just finished it and really enjoyed it!” can be a great conversation starter. It also helps to highlight how much you appreciate their time and value their advice.
3. Ask for advice
People love feeling valued and appreciated. Reaching out to someone for advice can really help strengthen your relationship as it shows you value what they have to say on a particular topic.
It is important to continue to remain respectful of your friend’s time and resources. The best way to achieve this is to reciprocate the advice and support when necessary. This creates a sense of shared support system and build mutual respect.
4. Give them space
It is just as important to know when to back off and give your new connection some space. Bombarding them with too emails many emails may appear needy or self-centred. Giving space when needed shows that you respect their schedule and you care.
5. Set a reminder
Setting a notification in your calendar can help you follow through with keeping in touch with new contacts. This ensures that you have a process to maintaining a relationship and can dedicate time to building those connections.
How to Follow Up After Meeting Someone | Networking Hacks
So you’ve met someone new and had a great coffee chat. You would love to build on this work relationship and spend more time getting to know them, but you’re unsure of what the next step should be.
Here are 5 ways you can follow up after networking:
1. Focus on what you can do for that person
Give first, expect nothing in return. Is there anything that you can do to help this person? Did they mention something during your first coffee chat that you may be able to help with? For example, is their daughter/son is applying to college? Perhaps you could suggest introducing them to other people you know that studied at that college to offer advice and support?
This is a great way to level the playing field and show the other person that you have genuine interest in them and their wellbeing.
2. Take some of their suggestions
If you genuinely valued their advice then take it! Read that book they recommended or watch that interview. People love to hear that they have been able to help someone else and share enjoyment for something.
A quick email “thank you so much for recommending XYZ book, I have just finished it and really enjoyed it!” can be a great conversation starter. It also helps to highlight how much you appreciate their time and value their advice.
3. Ask for advice
People love feeling valued and appreciated. Reaching out to someone for advice can really help strengthen your relationship as it shows you value what they have to say on a particular topic.
It is important to continue to remain respectful of your friend’s time and resources. The best way to achieve this is to reciprocate the advice and support when necessary. This creates a sense of shared support system and build mutual respect.
4. Give them space
It is just as important to know when to back off and give your new connection some space. Bombarding them with too emails many emails may appear needy or self-centred. Giving space when needed shows that you respect their schedule and you care.
5. Set a reminder
Setting a notification in your calendar can help you follow through with keeping in touch with new contacts. This ensures that you have a process to maintaining a relationship and can dedicate time to building those connections.