Networking is a crucial aspect of the business world. Meetings, conferences, and events are all excellent opportunities to meet new clients, suppliers, and collaborators. However, making a connection is just the first step. Following up with potential contacts can be nerve-wracking and stressful.
I’m no stranger to networking events. I’ve spent years perfecting the art of the “follow-up email.” After countless trials and errors, I’ve picked up some effective tips and tricks that have helped me establish valuable relationships with fellow professionals.
In this article, I want to share my insights on how to master the art of crafting follow-up emails after networking events. Whether you’re a seasoned business professional or new to the game, this article will provide you with actionable steps to streamline your follow-up process. So grab a notebook, and let’s get started!
How do you title a follow up email after networking?
Examples of effective follow-up email titles include:
Remember to keep the email concise, friendly, and professional, and you’re sure to make a lasting impression.
???? Pro Tips:
1. Begin with a sincere greeting – Use a polite and professional greeting while addressing the recipient(s) by their name(s).
2. Remind them of the meeting – Recap the discussion points from your initial conversation and mention any shared interests or common goals.
3. Refer to next steps – If there were any commitments made during the meeting, mention them explicitly and how they will be fulfilled.
4. Express gratitude – Thank them for their time and for the opportunity to connect with them in the first place.
5. End with a call to action – Close by requesting a follow-up meeting or asking if there are any ways you can be of help to them, showing your eagerness to continue building the relationship.
Introduction
Networking events are a great way to build relationships and expand your professional network. However, the real value of these events lies in the follow-up conversations that take place afterwards. Sending a well-crafted follow-up email can help you stand out and leave a lasting impression on the contacts you made. Here are some tips on how to properly title and structure your follow-up email.
Personalization
When crafting your follow-up email, it’s important to reference the networking event and the conversation you had with the contact. This helps to jog their memory and create a more personalized experience. Consider using a subject line that references the event and the conversation, such as “Great speaking with you at [event name]”. In the body of the email, start with a personalized greeting addressing the contact by name, followed by a specific reference to the conversation you had. For example:
Hi [Name],
It was great meeting you at the [event name] last night! I enjoyed our conversation about [topic].
Please allow me to thank you for your insight.
Appreciation
In addition to referencing the conversation, make sure to thank the contact for their time and interest in your discussion. This not only shows your appreciation but also reinforces the importance of the conversation. Use a sentence or two to express your gratitude. For example:
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about [topic] at the [event name]. I really appreciate your insights and perspectives on the subject.
Further Discussion
Now that you’ve established a personalized introduction and expressed your appreciation, it’s time to express your interest in continuing the conversation. This can help to build a stronger relationship with the contact and make them more likely to respond. Use a call-to-action to invite them to continue the discussion. For example:
It was great meeting you and I would love to continue our conversation about [topic]. Would you be available for a quick phone call this week to discuss further?
Topic Focus
When crafting your follow-up email, it can be helpful to highlight a specific topic of interest or discussion. This can add a sense of urgency and encourage a response from the contact. Use a bullet point list with bold headers to highlight your topic of interest. For example:
Some key takeaways from our conversation:
- The impact of AI on cybersecurity
- The importance of employee training in preventing cyber-attacks
- The role of machine learning in detecting anomalies
Event Feedback
As a final touch to your follow-up email, consider sharing some positive feedback about the networking event. This can help to provide context and reinforce the importance of the connection you made. Use a brief sentence or two to share your thoughts. For example:
I want to commend the organizers for putting on such a fantastic event. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with so many talented individuals in the industry.
Call-to-Action
Lastly, be sure to include a clear call-to-action that encourages a response or next steps from the contact. This could be as simple as asking for a response, suggesting a follow-up meeting, or requesting a referral to someone else in their network. For example:
I look forward to continuing our conversation and exploring potential collaborations. Would you be open to scheduling a follow-up meeting next week?
Thanks for reading and I hope to hear back from you soon!
