You made a stellar, non-awkward first impression and wish to follow up with your new acquaintance. If you see business value in further developing the relationship consider connection on social media, following up more personally, and deepening the relationship naturally over time.
First, Connect on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is today’s Rolodex. Even better, it helps you stay top of mind. Each time you post an update, your contact has the potential to hear from you.
Get out the business cards you gathered from the conference or networking event you attended, consult the notes you wrote on the back and look up each business person on LinkedIn (and other social networks at your discretion). If the individual has a website, it may be easiest to visit there first to locate direct links to their official social profiles. This ensures you get the right John Smith or Jane Doe.
Send a connection request with a note. Jog their memory as to how/where you met, include a personal detail or benefit the connection will provide.
Be helpful. Offer to connect them with someone who has potential to help them reach their business goals. Don’t ask for anything, except maybe to continue the conversation over a cup of tea.
Always check for spelling and grammatical errors before you hit send.
Second, Follow-Up More Personally
After speaking at Smart Customer Service 2018, I had a fantastic phone call with fellow speaker, Colin Gold. I was impressed when he texted me two weeks later to ask how this book was coming along. I had shared that I was looking for accountability, and he remembered!
If your connection shares a goal or problem, put a note on your calendar to ask about it in the near future. There are several people I schedule to meet with quarterly for motivation, inspiration, and commiseration. Don’t let too much time go by or the relationship will fizzle. If you manage large numbers of contacts, consider creating a spreadsheet or using a customer relationship management (CRM) service.
Be Thoughtful and Helpful
If you come across an article, blog, event, or book that would interest your connections, send a brief email or direct message through LinkedIn. Business tips are appreciated; something that relates to their family life or hobbies may be appropriate too.
When you share posts on LinkedIn or other professional networks, add a comment of value. Occasionally, tag an individual who would be interested. Give kudos to the author or source. Be specific in why you appreciated it.
Choose your “A” Contacts
Make a list of your current close contacts (check “frequents” on your smartphone). Then list 10-50 people you want to get to know better in the next year, people who could further your career goals. You can include celebrities, CEOs, existing connections or new.
Choosing your relationships for the long-term requires introspection. How close do you need to be to your professional contacts? How many relationships can you reasonably maintain? Be willing to serve, but know your limits and keep your boundaries.
On my personal sovereignty list is, “I get to choose my inner circle. I will not foster close relationships with people who bring me down mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.”
Schedule One-on-Ones
Michael J. Maher in his book, 7L: The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals, suggests keeping a regular day and time for your face-to-face meetings. This makes you more efficient and productive in your meetings, cuts down on drive time, and dining bills. Strategically choose the location, get to know the wait staff, and tip well!
Attend Events Selectively
There are countless events. Which do those on your “A” list already attend? Which club/association’s attendees matches demographic of your ideal client? Pick the groups and event that will further your business objectives.
Reference: https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-follow-up-after-meeting-someone-in-person/
