Have you ever gone to a networking event and promised yourself that you’d follow up with everyone you met? Now be honest for a minute…have you?
If you did that’s awesome. Read on to help you keep 
the conversation going.
If not… well… it’s time to keep that promise and follow up!
The secret to any relationship is the “know, like and trust” factor. This is true for both business and personal relationships. Here are my 3 top strategies to help you get to know the people you just met, let them get to know you and move the relationship forward to be mutually profitable.
- Pick up the phone and call them. This isn’t rocket science but the next piece of it is key… Nobody is going to want to speak with you because of your agenda. When your new contact answers the phone let them know what they will get out of a conversation with you and, if possible, link your reason to something you learned about them when you met.
- If they answer the phone ask them if they are free to speak for a few minutes (DO NOT assume that they are!). Tell them that you enjoyed meeting them and would like to get to know them better to see how you could (insert your reason from #1 here).
- Before you hang up the phone with them outline specific next steps. One of the biggest mistakes I see people making is saying something like “let’s definitely keep in touch.” I’m telling you that’s a sure fire way to never speak with them. Instead say something like, “It’s been great speaking with you. How about we touch base in a week? How does Monday at 2pm work for you?
Oh, and here’s a bonus for you. Honesty is best. If you find yourself a bit behind in following up, fess up. Say something like, “I know it’s been a while and I’ve been meaning to call you. I’m sorry I didn’t. I guess it took me a while to finally get tired of looking at the pile of business cards laying on my desk so here I am.”
Who are you going to get in touch with? Go ahead and share and let’s make it happen!
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