What is the best way to follow up after meeting someone at a networking event for Financial Management?

3 Add value and relevance

The second step to follow up is to add value and relevance to your communication. This means that you should not just send a follow-up email and then disappear, or send irrelevant or annoying messages that waste their time. Instead, you should provide useful information, resources, insights, or referrals that can help them solve a problem, achieve a goal, or learn something new. You should also demonstrate how you can contribute to their success or benefit from their expertise. For example, you can share an article, a podcast, a book, or a tool that relates to their field or interests. You can also offer your feedback, advice, support, or recommendation on something they are working on or looking for.

4 Be persistent but respectful

The third step to follow up is to be persistent but respectful. This means that you should not give up on contacting someone if they do not reply to your first email, or if they seem busy or uninterested. Sometimes, people are simply overwhelmed by their inbox, or they forget to respond, or they need more time to evaluate your offer or proposal. However, you should also respect their boundaries and preferences, and avoid being pushy, needy, or rude. You should follow up every few days or weeks, depending on the urgency and nature of your relationship, and always ask for permission before calling or meeting them. You should also respect their decision if they decline your request or tell you they are not interested.

5 Use multiple channels

The fourth step to follow up is to use multiple channels of communication. This means that you should not rely on only one method, such as email, to reach out to someone. Instead, you should diversify your approach and use different platforms, such as social media, messaging apps, phone calls, video calls, or face-to-face meetings. This can help you increase your visibility, credibility, and rapport with the person, and also adapt to their preferred style and availability. For example, you can connect with them on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, and comment on their posts, share their content, or join their groups. You can also send them a text message, a voice note, or a video message, and invite them to a phone call, a webinar, or a live event.

6 Build trust and rapport

The fifth step to follow up is to build trust and rapport with the person. This means that you should not treat them as a transaction or a target, but as a human being and a potential partner. Instead of focusing on your own agenda or pitch, you should listen to their needs, challenges, aspirations, and passions, and show empathy, curiosity, and respect. You should also share your own story, values, vision, and personality, and show vulnerability, authenticity, and humor. The goal is to create a connection that goes beyond the professional level, and that makes them feel comfortable, confident, and interested in you.

7 Follow through and follow up

The sixth and final step to follow up is to follow through and follow up. This means that you should always do what you say you will do, and keep your promises and commitments. If you agreed to send them something, do it as soon as possible. If you scheduled a call or a meeting, show up on time and prepared. If you offered to help them with something, deliver on your offer and follow up on the results. You should also keep in touch with them until you reach your desired outcome, such as closing a deal, landing a job, or forming a partnership. You should also thank them for their cooperation, feedback, or opportunity, and ask for their feedback or referrals.