Networking events provide invaluable opportunities to expand your professional network and make connections that can open doors for collaboration, career growth, and new business ventures. However, attending these events is just the first step towards building meaningful relationships. To capitalize on your connections, it's crucial to follow up with a well-crafted email that leaves a lasting impression.
How to Write a Strong Follow-Up Email
1. Include a Personal Touch
When writing a follow-up email, it's important to personalize it to make a genuine connection. Reference a specific conversation or topic discussed during the networking event to show that you were attentive and interested. Mention shared interests or any insights you gained, which will help jog the recipient's memory and demonstrate your sincerity.
If you’re not one for remembering the little details—it can get hectic at networking events—try jotting down a few notes in your new connections contact in your address book.
2. Send it Quickly
Timing is key when it comes to follow-up emails. Aim to send your message within 24 to 48 hours after the networking event. This shows that you're proactive and that the interaction is still fresh in your mind—and theirs. Delaying the email may give the impression that you're not genuinely interested or invested in the connection.
3. Keep it Short and Simple
Remember that the average professional receives over 100 emails daily, so keep your follow-up email concise and easy to read. Get straight to the point, expressing your gratitude for the conversation and expressing your interest in further discussion or collaboration. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and opt for short sentences to enhance readability.
4. Include Your Email Signature
Including a professional email signature is essential to provide your recipient with all the necessary contact information. This is especially important if you forgot to share your business card with them at the event. Include your full name, job title, company name, phone number, and any relevant social media or website links. An email signature adds credibility and makes it easier for the recipient to reach out to you.
The best email signatures should include your personal or company branding and all of the information from your business card and be interactive so the recipient can access your contact details and save them. We recommend using the HiHello email signature generator to create your free email signature.
5. Follow Up
If you don’t hear back from them after a few days, consider sending a follow-up email. Keep this short and sweet, and make sure you’re not bothering them. Let them know you enjoyed meeting them and look forward to staying connected. While they may not answer, you always have the opportunity to reach out in the future and try to connect again.
Writing compelling follow-up emails is an essential skill for anyone looking to make lasting connections in the professional world. By personalizing your emails, sending them promptly, keeping them concise, following up on commitments, and including a professional email signature, you'll leave a positive impression on your networking event connections. Remember, networking is not just about meeting people but nurturing relationships, and the follow-up email is a vital step in that process.
If you’re looking for other tips to master networking events, see our other blogs:
- What Mistakes Do People Make When Networking? 7 Blunders to Avoid at Events
- Top 5 Self-Introduction Tips for Business Networking at Conferences
- How to Network at Conferences: Top 10 Tips to Improve Business Networking
- Stand Out at Events: Make Your Business Card Conference-Ready (With HiHello)
