How to Follow Up With Networking Contacts (Without Being Annoying) - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Follow Up With Networking Contacts (Without Being Annoying) - Introvert Whisperer How to Follow Up With Networking Contacts (Without Being Annoying) Career Attraction August 18, 2014 Communication, Networking No responses How to Follow Up With Networking Contacts (Without Being Annoying) You just made a great connection at a networking event. You feel that “burden to meet someone” lift from your shoulders and decide to relax with a drink at the bar. On your way over, you realize: I have no reason to contact this person again. How am I going to follow up? Don’t panic. You can still save the connection and build a solid relationship with a series of “light touches.” This helps you to stay in someone’s mind without (literally) being in their face. Here are a few touch points to try: They mentioned an upcoming work event, client meeting, training, conference, workshop or other events send an email asking how the event went. Their alma mater or favorite sports team won an important game congratulate them. They have an upcoming vacation or staycation or are in the process of choosing a vacation destination send a recommendation or a link to an article you found on the destination. They are battling an illness or aiding a sick parent, spouse, friend or child check-in and send wishes for a speedy recovery. They have a new baby or a baby on the way, or found out if they were having a boy or a girl congratulate them and offer some nice memories of your own if you’re a parent. Be careful with the advice here â€" they are getting a lot of it. It is their birthday or a child’s birthday, or they’re attending or throwing a birthday party ask how it went. What to Do When You Don’t Know That Much Forgot to jot down the details of your conversation? Here are some additional follow-ups to effectively (but not annoyingly) stay on someone’s radar: Create connections for the person by introducing them to a vendor who can help them or to a potential client. Invite them to or let them know about upcoming events they might enjoy or benefit from. Send your regards through a mutual friend. Congratulate them (on a job promotion, securing a new client, etc). By the way, an easy way to stay on top of news regarding your contacts is a service called Newsle. Newsle sends you a message whenever someone you have set up an alert for is mentioned in the press. Keeping Up With the Details Before we leave this topic, I want to quickly touch upon one final thing: how to keep track of your contacts’ details. One trick I use is that after I have had a conversation with someone, I quickly jot down a few key points from the conversation on the back of their business card (if I’m at an event) or in a notebook if I met the person for lunch or at a meeting. Then, I transfer these notes to their “contact” record on my computer when I get back to my office. How have you learned to keep in touch with your network? Share your tips in the comments! This post originally appeared on MichelleTillisLederman.com and was republished with permission on Career Attraction. Image: Flickr Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.  Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer