Top 5 Do’s of Networking Follow-up
There are networking opportunities everywhere, business people spend a lot of time and effort attending networking events such as trade shows, conferences, via social media or chatting with someone on your commute. You need to make the most of every opportunity because you never know who you might meet! Sadly, when it comes to following up on the connections and introductions we may drop the ball.
There should be a strategic way to connect with others to build a valid network. We would lend the ropes on how to follow up this connects.
- Be apt and prompt
This is more like having a fore-sight of how to improve the connection to create a bond, one of the majors is to fuel a Linkedin account. It is important also to note that when wanting to build a connection stay off the tippy-weary introduction, many individuals miss out on the first introduction process and whoever they intend to network will not give them that supposed attention they require.
Here is an example of how to start up a chat conversation in the form of a follow-up
“It was great meeting you at the ABC Event. I’d like to keep in touch about the possible partnership we were chatting about.”
Emails are also a good way to start. Let them know ahead of time that you’ll be sending an email and have their permission and remember to personalize the messages don’t make it seem as though you are emailing a friend, they are not your friend yet, all you are trying to do is to build that sort of friendly relationship.
2. Do the extra
Go the extra mile about how your businesses or connection can be mutually beneficial when you do reach out to someone. Take the time to research and understand what his or her company does
Do you know that customers appreciate companies that put extra effort into the experience their customers are having? It is important to note that there are several things that though maybe little but are amazing such as birthday/wedding anniversary and lots more. A handwritten note could do the magic with ease.
3. Be Humane
One of the most powerful qualities in business are humility, respect, and kindness. Think about how those things impact you and make them a regular part of your relationship activities.
A kind word, encouragement, acknowledging people’s accomplishments, or a simple thank you are opportunities to show our character and personality. Never get too busy or too successful to be humble and grateful. You are successful because of others. Keep the ego in check at all times and rely on your support system to help you do this.
4. Use tools
Email marketing, social media, video, texting, podcasting, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or even the mail are all excellent tools and platforms you can use to connect. Use them effectively to achieve your networking goals.
5. Be strategic
How do you feel if you keep receiving an email notification from a particular email address severally, your natural human defence system flags an alarm naturally. So as not to have this scenario occurring to a prospect you intend networking try as much as you can to keep the mail brief and less frequently as possible, the purpose of emailing in the first instance is to open up an avenue for a meeting arrangement or a call-up.
Lastly, when you are not sure, assume what manner of follow-up would you like to receive and in what frequency, then it will help you attune how you can manage your own follow-up calls.
