You’ve Networked. Now What?
You’ve just come home from a productive networking session: you made great conversation, struck up a rapport with a few other guests, and collected their business cards.
Now what?
It’s time to turn those cards into valuable relationships. Sound like a tall order? The secret is adding value to your new contact’s life. How can you help him or her reach their goals? By approaching your new contact in a genuine, service-minded way, you’ll build professional friendships that will last.
Stack your new cards in the order you received them. This will help you recall details about each person you met. Write what you recall on the back of each card for easy reference.
Add them to your contact list. It might seem a bit redundant to both list memorable traits and transfer information into your contact list, but this extra step will solidify each person in your mind and make it easier for you to reach out.
Start friending. Search for each person on your favorite social media channels and add them as friends. Follow up with a short note that will remind your new contact of your conversation.
Be helpful. I like to send my new contacts books or links to articles I’ve written. You might have a helpful product or specialized service you can offer. Whatever it is, be genuine — offer it from a place of service.
Reconnect in person. Take your new contact out for coffee or lunch with the goal of getting to know him or her better. Listen carefully, keep an open mind, and you’ll discover even more ways to connect!
Networking is just the start — following up is where real relationships begin. If you approach your new contacts with an open mind and a giving heart, you’ll be well on your way to developing contacts that will open doors and expand your mind.