You've collected potential leads at a networking event. How do you turn them into valuable connections?

After networking events, I immediately connect with new contacts on LinkedIn, adding a personalized message about where we met and what we discussed. This helps reinforce our interaction and keeps me memorable. I also use AI tools to analyze and categorize these connections, tailoring my follow-ups to be relevant and engaging. I join LinkedIn groups where my new contacts are active and participate in discussions to stay on their radar. By following these steps, you can turn networking leads into valuable professional relationships.

The key to turning leads into valuable connections is to be genuine, thoughtful, and focused on providing value. By following these steps and staying consistent in your networking efforts, you increase your chances of building meaningful connections that can benefit both parties in the long run.

Right after a networking event, follow up with your new contacts promptly. Shoot a personalized email or message within 48 hours, mentioning something specific from your chat to jog their memory. This quick response shows you're genuinely interested and professional. Act fast—waiting too long might make them forget the interaction or lose the excitement from the event.

Connect on professional platforms, nurture the relationship by sharing useful content and engaging with their updates, and always follow through on any promises made. !! Remember, building valuable connections takes time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts to cultivate these relationships.

A trick I’ve learned is to take a selfie with them at the event. Then I send them an email reminding them who I am with the selfie.

Rather then having a generic call-to-action, propose a next step that is tailored to each lead's specific interests or needs. For eg; you could suggest a one-on-one meeting to discuss a particular topic of mutual interest, attend a relevant industry event together, or introduce them to someone in your network who could be of value to them. This personalized approach shows that you are invested in their success.

I do think personalization is important. On top of that, I think value trumps personalization. It’s cute to remember their dog’s name, but it could be a bit cosmetic. I think true networking lies in symbiotic relationships. Be hyper aware of what you can offer them to help their business, life or relationships out. Give, give, give, give, ask.

Send relevant nurture emails. Make sure it is connected to something specific to their interests or a pain point they shared with you. For example, if they shared a pain point about streamlining IT operations, send them case studies or industry articles about that topic and how similar companies or individuals solved those issues. If they are active on social media, then comment on their posts and engage with them through those platforms as well.

In this, I think it’s important to be upfront. Don’t dance around the point or try to be sly, that will just make you come off like a used car salesperson. Stipulate that it was nice to meet them, and you will keep them in mind if any resources pass through your desk that you think could be relevant to them. Re iterate what it is you or your company does, and express enthusiasm to potentially do business in the future

Keep in touch with your leads over time. Engage with their social media posts, comment on their articles, or share their content when appropriate. Attend industry events together or invite them to relevant webinars or networking opportunities. Continuously nurturing the relationship will help solidify the connection and increase its value over time.

For high-potential leads, aim for a personal touch - perhaps a handwritten note or a customized email referencing your conversation. - For others, consider a more scalable approach like adding them to your [tailored] newsletter list (with their permission!) or inviting them to a relevant webinar.

The entire goal of having a networking lead is to get on a call/have a meeting! You get to build trust, get to know what someone values, and then can talk about the synergies between your work and their work.

Highlight the potential outcomes and benefits of the meeting. Clearly articulate how the meeting will provide value to both parties, such as discussing specific business challenges, exploring synergies, or identifying opportunities for collaboration. This will help the prospect see the tangible benefits of taking the time to meet with you and increase their willingness to engage. This approach ensures that the prospect understands the purpose and value of the meeting, making it more likely for them to agree to it.

Propose a meeting by highlighting a particular topic or opportunity that aligns with their business goals. - This targeted approach demonstrates your value and increases the likelihood of securing a productive meeting, setting the stage for a meaningful business relationship.

Look for opportunities to collaborate with your leads or refer business to them. If you come across a potential client, project, or partnership that aligns with their expertise or interests, connect them with the relevant parties. Demonstrating a willingness to help them succeed will strengthen the bond and make the connection more valuable.

From my experience, turning leads from a networking event into valuable connections involves promptly following up with a friendly message or email within 1-2 days. Personalize your message by mentioning something specific you discussed, offer value with helpful information or resources, stay connected by connecting on LinkedIn and engaging with their posts, and suggest a coffee or virtual meeting to deepen the relationship. This approach will help you build strong, lasting connections.

Categorize leads based on potential value and tailor your engagement strategy accordingly, focusing more resources on high-potential connections.

Schedule a one-on-one lunch meeting within two weeks to discuss potential synergies between your companies. Follow up with a customized proposal for collaboration. In addition: Connect on LinkedIn and share industry-specific content monthly. Invite to quarterly networking events you host.