Follow-Up Is Critical

At last, the networking event is over. You did all your prep work. You went to the event with the right attitude. You had high-quality interactions with people you wanted to meet. And now you are leaving with 5, 10, maybe even 15 business cards in your pocket - now what?

Simple, follow-up!

All too often, that business card goes from your pocket to your desk with the best of intentions - "Okay, I will give that person a call/e-mail in the morning." However, when the morning comes, business takes hold and you have a busy day (as they all are). Unfortunately, in all the commotion, the follow-up was missed. The next moring, you spot the card as you walk in, but there are two or three things from yesterday that you just need to finish up. By the time you get a chance to make the call or send the e-mail, a week has gone by and you're now a bit uncomfortable making contact. The longer you wait, the more unconfortable you'll become, until you finally put the card in your files, where it will sit until you throw it out a year or two later.

Instead, follow-up immediately!

When you arrive at home, take a minute to compose an e-mail which simply states:

"Dear _________,

I am glad we had an opportunity to ____[meet, follow-up, etc]____. I look forward to speaking with you again in the near future. [Add a line about how you would like to follow up, i.e., I will give you a call.... or how is your calendar on....].

Yours truly,

_____________."

In fact, most contact managers will even allow you to schedule this e-mail to be sent the next morning if you perfer. However, the important point is that your follow-up contact is made.