10 Things to Do Immediately After a Networking Event
Good networking isn’t just about meeting people on the day or building relationships through multiple networking events. Here are 10 things to do immediately after attending a networking function (conferences, seminars, business clubs).
1. Send email.
Don’t wait for the next day (unless you’re getting back late in the evening!) or the next week. Chances are you won’t get around to it-and even if you do-they may not recall. Send an email to everyone you took a card from. Even if you don’t see an immediate connection, just say thanks.
2. Connect on Facebook/LinkedIn/Twitter.
Another way of quickly reminding yourself of who you’ve met, what they do and anything interesting about them.
3. Put one thing into action.
Too many people walk away from networking events feeling good, but doing nothing. Take one decisive action from what you learned.
4. Introduce two people to each other.
It’s more than likely that you will meet someone at a networking event who needs something one of your previous contacts can supply, or vice-versa . Now, where those two people take the relationship is up to them, but he is always remembered as the person who made the introduction!
5. Contact one Potential Referral Partner.
One of the best ways to grow a business is through collaboration with others. Joint ventures can be amazingly powerful. Whenever I network, I try to seek out one referral partner. This can be someone that I can send business to or someone whose clients we can help. The best potential referral partners are those who can figure out a win-win situation. Example: A web designer sends a printer work, while a printer recommends the designer to their clients.
6. If you took pictures, put them up on Facebook, Instagram or Flickr. Tag them whenever possible.
Pictures are best posted when the memory of the event is still fresh. If you follow #2, then you can also tag people you have added as friends. Pictures are a great way to attract people to your profile as well.
7. Blog or write about your experience.
If you’re like me, I get ideas from meeting with people. Some I blog about, others get written up on my noticeboard or on my PC – otherwise I’m likely to forget them. All you need are bullet points to remind you when you have time to get back to them.
8. Make sure your website is working well.
If you met a lot of people, the chances are that they will check out your website. Make sure that it is up to date and a good representation of who you are.
9. Thank the host – if applicable.
This especially applies to local events which are put together by one individual. A quick note thanking them will go a long way.
10. Check networking supplies.
Make sure you have enough business cards, pens, coasters or other give aways for the next event – remember about the turn around time. My printer can usually turn around my business cards in 48 hours, but I try to give him 3 days, just in case. Other promotional items may take longer, so – if you have a heavy week of networking – you may have to think further ahead.
