In this episode of Network Effect, host Brian Colburn discusses the crucial role of follow-ups in networking to transform first meetings into lasting relationships. Key topics include the importance of follow-ups, crafting effective follow-up messages, maintaining relationships through light touch points, and leveraging digital platforms like LinkedIn. Brian provides a framework for follow-up communication and long-term relationship nurturing, ensuring your connections lead to real opportunities.
00:00 Introduction to Networking Follow-Up
01:12 Why Following Up is Essential
02:19 How to Follow Up Effectively
02:46 Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Message
05:03 Maintaining Relationships Over Time
06:16 Leveraging LinkedIn and Social Media
07:17 Recap and Key Takeaways
08:20 Closing Remarks
Transcribed by Descript*
Welcome back to another episode of network effect, where we help you transform relationships into opportunities. I'm your host, Brian Colburn, and I'm here to take your networking game to the next level.
In the last episode we talked about preparing for and making the most of networking events. Now that you've attended an event and made some valuable connections.
It's time to focus on one of the most critical aspects of networking.
Following up.
It's often said that fortune is in the followup and it couldn't be more true when it comes to networking. The people you meet at events, conferences, or even online. Won't remember you. If you don't take action to maintain and nurture the relationship.
In today's episode, we're going to cover number one. Why following up as essential to networking success. Number two. How to follow up effectively and lastly strategies for maintaining relationships over time.
By the end of today's episode, you'll have a simple, yet powerful framework for following up after networking events, ensuring that the connections you make lead to real opportunities.
Let's begin with why following up is essential to networking success.
You've met someone new exchange, business cards or LinkedIn connections, and maybe even had a great conversation. But without following up the connection is likely to fade into obscurity.
Networking is about building relationships and relationships require ongoing communication. Following up shows that you're serious about maintaining the connection. It signals, professionalism and interest, and most importantly, it helps solidify the person's memory of you.
After all, you're probably not the only person they met at the event. So following up is your way of standing out from the crowd.
Here's the key networking doesn't end when the event does the initial meeting is just the starting point and what you do afterwards, determines whether the connection grows into something meaningful.
Whether your goal is to establish a business relationship, a potential collaboration, or simply keep the door open for future opportunities, following up ensures you remain on their radar.
Now let's dive into how to follow up effectively.
The first step to following up is timing. You don't want to wait too long to follow up, but you also don't want to do it immediately, especially if the event is still fresh. The sweet spot is usually within 24 to 48 hours after the event. This allows you to strike why the conversation is still fresh in their mind without overwhelming them right away.
Here's a simple structure for an effective followup message.
Number one, start with gratitude. Begin your message by thinking the person for their time and for the conversation. Something as simple as " it was a pleasure meeting you at the networking event yesterday" can go a long way. Gratitude sets a positive tone and makes your message feel genuine.
Number two personalize the message.
One of the biggest mistakes people make in followups is sending a generic message. You want to personalize your message by referencing something specific from your conversation. This shows that you were engaged and that you remembered something important, they mentioned. For example, "I really enjoyed our discussion about the future of AI in marketing".
Number three reaffirm the value.
Next you want to reaffirm why staying connected makes sense for both of you. This could be as simple as "I'd love to continue our conversation and how we might collaborate on future projects", or "I believe we can find mutual opportunities in our industries".
Number four, include a call to action.
Give the recipient an opportunity to take the next step. You might suggest a follow-up coffee meeting, a virtual chat, or even just staying in touch on LinkedIn. Be specific and provide a clear next step, such as "would you be available for a quick coffee next week to explore ideas further"?
Number five, keep it short and sweet. Your follow-up message.
Doesn't need to be long. In fact, brevity is key. People are busy. So aim for a message, that's polite to the point and easy to read. A few sentences are often all you need.
Here's an example of what this could look like. "Hi, Sarah. It was great meeting you at the marketing summit yesterday. I really enjoyed our conversation about the future of AI marketing. I'd love to continue exploring potential collaboration opportunities. Would you be available for a quick coffee or virtual meeting next week? Looking forward to staying in touch. Brian Colburn".
That's it simple. Personal and effective.
Now that you've mastered the initial followup. Let's move to maintaining relationships over time.
The key to longterm networking success. Isn't just in one follow-up. It's in consistent, thoughtful touch points.
So, how do you keep the conversation alive without being overbearing? Use the light touch approach.
A light touch means checking in periodically without an immediate agenda. You can send an interesting article that relates to something you discussed.
Comment on one of their LinkedIn posts or congratulate them on a recent achievement.
This keeps you on their radar while offering value and showing that you're engaged in their success.
Offer value before asking for anything. One of the most important principles in networking is to give before you get. If you can offer value, whether that's an introduction to someone in your network advice or a resource, they'll be far more likely to return the favor. When you need something.
If you can offer value, whether that's an introduction to someone in your network. Advice or a resource. They'll be far more likely to return the favor when you need something. Always ask yourself, how can I help this person before asking for something in return?
Leveraging LinkedIn and social media. In today's digital world LinkedIn is a powerful tool for staying connected with your network, share relevant content, comment on their posts or endorse their skills. It's a low pressure way to keep in touch and remain visible without feeling like you're constantly following up.
Scheduled periodic check-ins.
A great way to ensure you're maintaining relationships is to schedule periodic check-ins. Set a reminder to reach out every few months, especially if it's someone you'd like to collaborate with in the future.
You don't need to meet face to face every time. Sometimes a quick email or message is enough to maintain the connection.
Attend events together. One powerful way to strengthen relationships is to invite someone from your network to attend an event with you. Whether it's an industry conference, a webinar, or even a local meetup shared experiences can deepen your connection and create more opportunities for collaboration.
Let's recap. Today's takeaways.
Number one. Following up is crucial for turning our first meeting into a long lasting relationship without followup connections, fade quickly.
Number two effective follow-up messages are timely, personal, and concise. Start with gratitude, personalize the message,
reaffirm the value of the connection, and include a call to action.
Effective follow-up messages are timely, personal, and concise. Start with gratitude. Personalize the message. Reaffirm the value for the connection and include a call to action.
Maintaining relationships requires consistent effort. Use a light touch approach. Offer value. Leverage LinkedIn and scheduled periodic check-ins to keep connections alive.
Networking is about relationships and like any relationship it takes nurturing to grow. When you follow up thoughtfully and maintain your connections over time, you set yourself apart and build a network that will support you throughout your career.
In our next episode, we're going to talk about leveraging LinkedIn as a powerful network tool. We'll explore the advanced strategies for optimizing your LinkedIn profile, connecting with the right people and creating content that builds your brand and engages your network. If you're looking to take your online presence to the next level, episode nine is for you.
Thanks for joining me today on network effect, where we help you transform relationships into opportunities.
If you found this episode helpful. Make sure to subscribe, leave a review and share the show with a friend.
And as always, if you'd like a second set of eyes and some coaching on your content creation. Please reach out. You can find more about me and my services at bcolburn.com.
Until next time, keep connecting. Keep growing and don't forget the fortune is in the follow-up.
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