Some tips on how to follow up after a networking event
Following up with your new contacts is one of the most important steps in the networking process.
What will make you stand out from all the other people networking?…
If you follow up with every single person. The key is to have a follow up system. Follow these simple steps and your networking results will improve dramatically.
Here is very simple follow- up process:
1) When you get back to your office, or within 24 hours
( Grant Cardone sends a text immediately) send an email to each person you met.
Keep it simple and not a sales pitch.
Connect online through the group at Linked Local Palm Beach.
You can look up members from the group page and add them to your network. Go to the new contacts profile page and read it.
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2) Within one week call each new contact to set up a meeting to learn more about their business and how you might help each other.
The meeting can be in person or on the phone. The idea is for each of you to learn more about each other. -15 to 30 minutes for each person to talk is more than enough time. Make sure to add this contact into your social media like LinkedIn and/or Facebook
One on One Meeting.
It’s important to set up one-on-one meetings to build strategic relationships.
Asking some good questions when meeting someone new is a good way to deepen the relationship.
A couple good questions to ask might include:
“How long have you been in business?”
“What do you look for in a strategic networking partner for your business?”
“Tell me about your networking activities and the types of people you usually help.”
“Who do you currently partner with to get referrals?”
Follow an agenda
Here is a sample agenda for an effective meeting.
After building rapport, suggest the following agenda:
I. Explain who you are, your past and what you do.
II. Describe how you help people. What is special about you your business?
III. Ask what you are looking for in a good referral.
IV. Discuss what small steps could be taken to move the relationship forward or help each other in some way
Use a time table of a 20-20-20 format, and shape a one hour meeting like this:
The first 20 minutes for the first person to tell their story about who they are and what they do.
The second 20 minutes is for the second participant to do the same.
The final 20 minutes is devoted to strategizing and sharing ideas on how you can work together to have value in your relationship.
(You can also use a 10-10-10 for a 30 minute meeting)
3) On the second week, contact the person again with a call and email if you have still not connected.
4) I make it a point, after meeting with a new contact, to give them a referral within 30 days. Ideally this happens but not always.
5) Make contact again 30 days after your meeting. Remember you are building a relationship with this person that can last for years.
Whether or not you do a lot of networking, having a plan will almost always result in better outcomes. For the networking pros, setting an agenda will certainly help you save time and create better opportunities moving forward