Following Up After a Meeting – the Dos and Don’ts

Anyone who’s been to a networking event will know that meeting and making connections is just the first step. What happens after the event is where real opportunities begin to take shape. Whether you've had a great chat over lunchtime or swapped business cards at a brunch, how you follow up is key to building strong professional relationships. 

 

Over the many years I’ve been networking, I’ve seen it all: the follow-up momentum that leads to long-lasting collaborations, and the after-event stalling that allows all that potential to slip away. So, here are a few dos and don’ts to get your follow-up drive into gear, so that your post-meeting connections can flourish. 

A prompt follow-up shows professionalism and genuine interest. A short email or message saying thank you, mentioning something specific from what you said to each other, and offering to stay in touch makes a strong and positive impression. Don’t overthink it - just make sure it’s quickly after the event, and personal to the conversation you shared there. 

 

Waiting too long can make your message feel like an afterthought. If you delay for a week or more, the moment will pass and your contact might not remember you clearly. The best time to follow up is while the conversation is still fresh in both of your minds. If you said you’d like a 1-1, get it booked in. 

 

Whether it’s sharing a relevant article, introducing them to someone else in your network, or simply offering a helpful tip, adding value is a great way to get the relationship going. It also shows that you’re thinking beyond your own goals and looking to support others – a value that’s right at the heart of our meetings! 

 

Networking is about relationship-building, not cold selling. Focus on getting to know the person and understanding their business and needs before you mention your services or products. 

 

If you’re not already connected, send a personalised LinkedIn request after the meeting. It’s a simple way to turn a one-time conversation into an ongoing professional connection, and you can also see the other people you might have in common in your networks. Stay in touch by commenting on their posts, sending the occasional check-in message, or inviting them to another event. 

 

Successful networking isn’t about collecting business cards. It’s about building real, professional relationships over time. A thoughtful follow-up shows respect, initiative and a genuine interest in collaboration. If you’ve joined one of our networking meetings, I encourage you to make that next move. It could lead to your next opportunity, client, or partnership.