The Single Most Important Part of Networking
Have you ever returned from a conference with a stack of business cards? And weeks (months??) after the event, the cards are still sitting ignored in a drawer somewhere? Even with the best intentions, many of us fail on one of the most important parts of networking – following up.
We all have busy schedules, and that makes it hard to fit in yet another activity, especially if you just returned from an event and are trying to absorb everything you learned while stressing about catching up on work. But without the follow-up, there’s not much point in taking the time to network at all.
Here are three easy steps that can help you make sure all of the valuable connections you’re making aren’t wasted once you get back home.
Make a Commitment
Along with making a commitment to yourself that you will follow up after the conference, make a commitment to the people you are meeting. Tell them you will call or email about XYZ after the conference. Sometimes, just saying the words out loud will make you more likely to take action.
It’s also important that when you commit to being in contact with someone, you’re specific about what you will be contacting them about. The more precise you are, the more likely they will remember you and what you talked about, and the more relevant your follow up will be.
Use a Cheat Sheet
Once you’ve met all of these people and made all of these promises to be in touch, don’t rely on your memory alone — even if you have a great memory. When the event ends and you leave the networking environment, it’s way too easy to forget the little details that will help you follow up; for example, whose face matches up with what business card, who you were introduced to by a long-time colleague or who you share a favorite hobby with.
Take notes on all of these things to trigger your memory when you get back home. You can bring along a notebook, jot them on a business card, or even send yourself emails – whatever it takes to remember the details.
Schedule It In
We’ve already acknowledged that busy schedules make it too easy to let follow-up fall through the cracks. The solution is making it a priority and scheduling it in, whether by adding it to your to-do list or blocking out a specific day and time to tackle it.
For me, once I make something a task in my project management software, it joins the scheduling queue and it’s less likely I will overlook it. In fact, I’m more likely to get it done quickly (another important factor to consider with follow-up), just so I won’t have it staring at me day after day.
How do you make sure you follow up after a networking event? What helps you remember who you met and what you talked about?
Image credit: svilen001
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