Alright, so you’ve survived the networking event—high fives all around! But hold up, the real game begins after you’ve exchanged business cards and had your fill of mini sandwiches. Let’s dive into why following up is the secret sauce, the best ways to do it without feeling like a robot, and how to turn those connections into lasting friendships.

Why You Should Follow Up After Networking:

So, you shook hands, chatted about the weather, and got some business cards. Now what? Following up is like tending to your garden after planting seeds. It’s what makes those brief nods at the event bloom into real-deal connections. It shows you’re not just a one-hit wonder but someone genuinely interested in building something beyond a quick chat.

Reasons to Get That Follow-Up Game Going:

1. Growing Relationships: Think of follow-ups as watering the friendship plant. It helps the connection grow and shows you’re not just in it for the free snacks.
2. Remembering the Good Stuff: Referencing a joke or a shared eye-roll moment from the event in your follow-up message lets them know you were paying attention. It’s like saying, “Hey, I remember our chat about that weird office coffee machine.”
3. Getting the Most Bang for Your Networking Buck: You spent time at that event; now make it count. Following up turns those quick handshakes into opportunities and ensures you get the most out of your networking adventure.

No-Nonsense Ways to Follow Up:

1. Drop a Casual Email: No need for fancy jargon; just shoot a friendly email. Say you enjoyed meeting them, bring up a topic from the event, and keep it chill.

2. Connect on Good Ol’ LinkedIn: LinkedIn is like the Facebook of the professional world. Connect and drop a line about the event. Easy peasy. Heck, connect on Facebook too.

3. Pen a Quick Handwritten Note: Yeah, people still do that! A short, sweet note shows you put some thought into it. No need for fancy stationery—just grab a notepad.

4. Give a Little Something Extra: Share something useful in your follow-up. Maybe it’s an article, a resource, or a funny cat video. It’s the thought that counts.

5. Plan a Low-Key Follow-Up Meeting: Suggest grabbing a coffee or a virtual meeting. It’s a casual way to continue the conversation and shows you’re up for more than just business.

Crafting Relationships That Stick:

1. Keep It Real with Regular Chats: Don’t be a stranger! Regular check-ins and updates keep the connection fresh. It’s like catching up with an old buddy.

2. Show Some Genuine Interest: Remember details from your talks. Whether it’s their side hustle or their favorite sports team, showing you care makes the connection real.

3. Find the Win-Win: Figure out how you can both benefit. It’s not just about what they can do for you—it’s a two-way street. Like swapping recipes, but for professional success.

4. Hit Up Events Together: If you’re both up for it, attend industry events together. Shared experiences solidify connections. It’s like saying, “We survived that weird conference; we can handle anything.”

5. Celebrate the Wins: Congratulate them on their achievements. Whether it’s a work milestone or mastering the art of not burning toast, acknowledging their successes builds a positive connection.

Practice Your Follow-Up After Every MAREI Meeting

So, there you have it—following up, the not-so-secret sauce to turning those one-time handshakes into lasting connections. It’s not about being all formal and robotic; it’s about being real and building something genuine. Start following up like a pro, and watch your network become a crew of allies in your professional journey. Cheers to connections that stick!