Managing your connections network: Building Lasting Connections
Part of building connections network by attending events is much more than meeting people and collecting business cards; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships that can bring value over time. The follow-up is often the overlooked part of this process, but it’s also the element that transforms a fleeting encounter into a meaningful connection. Mastering the art of the follow-up can set you apart, paving the way for genuine connections and opportunities. Here are my top tips in how to elevate your follow-up strategy and ensure your connections have a lasting impact.
1. Why Follow-Up Matters
When you first meet someone, your conversation is just the start. The follow-up is what deepens that initial connection and reminds the other person of your conversation and shared interests. Whether it’s a potential client, a mentor, or a peer, a thoughtful follow-up shows respect and interest.
By following up, you’re signalling that you see potential in the connection, making it more likely for the other person to remember you and keep you in mind for future opportunities. And, if you don’t do it, you have wasted the time, effort and money attending the event in the first place!
2. Timing is Key
Timing is everything in follow-ups. Too soon, and it might come off as overeager; too late, and they might not remember who you are. A good rule of thumb is to reach out within 24-48 hours after meeting. This window keeps the connection fresh while also showing that you’re proactive and interested. Even if you met at a busy networking event, a brief follow-up message within a day or two can significantly increase the chances of building a connection.
3. Personalise Your Follow-Up
A generic “Nice to meet you!” won’t stand out in anyone’s inbox. When following up, make it personal and specific to your conversation. Mention something memorable from your meeting, such as a shared interest or a particular topic you discussed. For example, I met a contact that has become a good friend and client, at an event, and we followed up with a coffee a few weeks later. Found we have a mutual interest in sports, business and values in life, so there was a lot of scope for future collaboration.
You won’t click with everyone you meet and that’s fine. There are hundreds and thousands of potential people you will hit it off with and as you get more experienced, you learn to spot these signs quicker.
4. Offer Value, Don’t Just Ask for It
A common mistake in follow-ups is immediately seeking a favour. Building genuine connections are about mutual benefit, so think of ways to offer value first. It could be an invitation to an event they might like, an introduction to a new client, or sharing knowledge on a topic you discussed. The more you give, the more likely they are to reciprocate.
I’m fortunate to be able to offer some exciting sporting opportunities to the contacts I have so that makes me a little different from the people they usually meet. What can you offer that is unusual and different?
5. Keep It Brief and Respectful of Their Time
People are busy, and a lengthy follow-up message might not get the attention you hope for. Keep your message short, ideally under five sentences, and focus on the essentials: a thank-you for the meeting, a specific point you enjoyed, and an invitation to connect further. Being mindful of their time not only respects their busy schedule but also demonstrates that you’re professional and efficient and likely to be someone they will want to see more frequently.
6. Follow Up Consistently, But Don’t Overdo It
Building a network is a marathon, not a sprint. While a single follow-up may reopen the connection, consistent touchpoints over time are what solidify it. For instance, reaching out every few months or whenever there’s a relevant reason to connect can keep the relationship alive without coming across as too eager. However, be careful not to overdo it; constant messages without response can become intrusive. If they’re responsive, lean into it, but if not, give them space.
7. Stay Engaged on Social Platforms
Following up doesn’t always mean emailing or calling. Social media platforms like LinkedIn offer an easy way to keep the connection warm. Interacting with their posts, commenting on their achievements, or sharing relevant articles they might appreciate allows you to stay top-of-mind without needing a formal follow-up message. Subtle, supportive engagement on social media can often be just as effective as a direct message. If you create content regularly, you value people who like, comment and repost your content.
Summary
The art of the follow-up is about transforming introductions into long-term connections. It takes thoughtfulness, patience, persistence and a genuine interest in the needs of the other person.
By personalising your follow-up, offering value, and respecting boundaries, you can build a network that feels organic and rewarding. With time, your connections will come to appreciate the professionalism and sincerity you bring to your follow-ups, ensuring that your relationships last well beyond the initial meeting.
So next time you’re at an event, remember that the real magic happens after the handshake. For more information, reach out to me at [email protected] and arrange a one to one session if you would like to get better at the art of the follow-up.