Networking is a great way to expand your professional connections and uncover potential job opportunities. But simply collecting business cards at an event is not enough - you need to follow up to turn those new contacts into meaningful relationships. A well-crafted follow up email is crucial for advancing a new networking connection.
This article will teach you how to write effective follow up emails after networking. We’ll cover:
With the right strategy, you can create new opportunities through relationship-building follow up emails.
Following up after meeting someone at a networking event serves multiple important purposes:
Sending a prompt follow up email keeps you fresh in their mind, rather than letting the memory of your conversation fade. A quick note reinforces the connection.
Taking the time to follow up shows you are genuinely interested in continuing the relationship, not just collecting cards. It makes a strong impression.
The follow up gives you a chance to provide something of value by sharing an interesting article, useful contact, or relevant insights.
Touching base creates an opening to explore potential collaborations, job leads, or other shared interests that arose during your initial conversation.
Following up helps convert new contacts into meaningful professional connections that can evolve over time through consistent nurturing.
A thoughtful follow up email is an opportunity to solidify the positive impression you made at the event, strengthening your new relationship.
With so many benefits, it’s clear why sending follow up emails is a networking best practice. But how exactly do you craft an effective and strategic note?
Here are some tips and best practices for writing strong follow up emails after networking events:
Try to send your follow up email within 24 hours of meeting someone. You want your conversation to be fresh so they instantly remember who you are.
Skip generic subject lines like “Nice to meet you!” Instead, reference your conversation or context, like “Follow Up from Marketing Conference” or “Continuing Our Startup Discussion”.
Briefly jog their memory by mentioning when and where you met, and one interesting point that stood out from the discussion.
Thank them for taking the time to speak with you - showing gratitude helps strengthen new connections.
Briefly recap any key topics you covered, promises made, or intentions expressed, so they remember important details.
Provide something of value such as an interesting article, helpful resource, or introduction to someone that’s useful based on your conversation.
Propose meeting for coffee, connecting on LinkedIn, or exploring a specific opportunity that arose from your discussion. Give them an easy next action.
End on a friendly, upbeat tone expressing interest in staying in touch. Add a signature with your full contact information to make responding easy.
Now let’s walk through some sample follow up email templates and examples you can use and customize after networking events or new professional connections.
This is for following up when you had a brief initial interaction and simply want to maintain the new connection.
Subject: Following Up from [Event Name]
Dear [Name],
It was a pleasure chatting with you at [Event] on [Date]. I enjoyed hearing about your experiences with [topic discussed] - [mention a specific point of interest from the conversation].
I wanted to follow up and say thanks again for taking the time to speak with me. These industry events are such a great opportunity to make new connections. I'm looking forward to staying in touch and learning more about your work with [company/position]. Please feel free to reach out if I can ever provide any help or insights!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your company/title]
[Contact Info]
If you discussed a topic that you have an article, report, or other resources related to, follow up with value:
Subject: Market Research Report Per Our Conversation
Dear [Name],
It was a pleasure speaking with you at [Event] and learning more about [Company's] upcoming expansion into the Auckland market. As we discussed, I’m connecting you with the market research report my firm recently completed on trends and opportunities in the Auckland market. I think you'll find the insights around customer segmentation and competitive analysis particularly interesting given your plans.
Please let me know if I can provide any additional information or context on the Auckland space. I have enjoyed watching [Company's] growth trajectory these past few years and am excited to see where your expansion plans take you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your company/title]
[Contact Info]
If they mentioned a specific need or challenge, follow up offering help meeting that need:
Subject: Following Up on [Conversation Topic]
Dear [Name],
I thoroughly enjoyed exchanging ideas at [Event] last week - our conversation has stuck with me since! I know you mentioned [Company] is actively looking to improve its marketing automation capabilities and streamline lead conversion processes. As we discussed, marketing automation is one of the core strengths of my firm [Your Company].
I'd love to set up some time to speak further about your goals in this area and share some strategies we've used to help clients engineer 25-50% increases in lead conversion rates through workflow automation. I'm confident we could provide tremendous value around your marketing systems integration and optimization efforts. Let me know if you would be open to discussing in more detail. I'm available this Tuesday or Friday for a quick virtual coffee chat.
Looking forward to continuing the conversation!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your company/title]
[Contact Info]
Offer to introduce them to someone that would provide value:
Subject: Connecting You with [Name]
Dear [Name],
It was wonderful to meet you at [Event]! One thing that stood out from our conversation was your interest in connecting with retailers in the natural baby products space.
I wanted to introduce you to a longtime business associate of mine, [Contact Name], who founded [Company] - an ecommerce natural baby goods company operating in the US, UK, and EU markets. I think the two of you would have tremendous insights to share around consumer trends, SEM strategies, social media marketing, and expansion planning.
I've already spoken to [Contact] and she is excited to connect! If you're open to it, I'd be happy to coordinate a virtual introductory coffee chat between the two of you in the coming weeks. Just let me know if you're interested.
Wishing you continued success!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your company/title]
[Contact Info]
Suggest meeting again for coffee, call, or a visit:
Subject: Let's Continue Our Discussion
Dear [Name],
I wanted to follow up on our great conversation at [Event] last week. It was extremely valuable to get your insights on [conversation topic] trends given your deep industry experience. I have been reflecting on your advice around [key point] in particular as I map out strategic initiatives for next year.
Would you have any time in the next few weeks to continue the conversation over a virtual coffee? There are a few areas I'd love to get your more detailed perspective on as I work on 2023 strategic planning, including thoughts around [specific area discussed]. Please let me know if you might have 30 minutes in the next month for a call.
I so appreciated the chance to connect at the event and look forward to staying in touch!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your company/title]
[Contact Info]
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about follow up emails after networking:
Try to send the follow up email within 24 hours of meeting someone. Sending it promptly is important while your conversation is still fresh.
It's fine to go ahead and email first, then connect on LinkedIn in the follow up itself or after you begin engaging more. Don't wait to nurture the connection.
If you forgot to get their full contact information, try searching for them on LinkedIn by name and company to find their email address.
Yes, you can follow up again by email 1-2 weeks later, and eventually connect by phone or meet in person as you nurture the budding relationship.
The initial follow up aims to jog their memory, solidify a positive impression, show interest in engaging further, and open the door for next steps.
Try jotting a few notes after each conversation to capture details you can reference in each person's follow up email.
Wait for future follow up exchanges to explore any concrete business opportunities. The first email's goal is relationship building.
Executing prompt and thoughtful follow up outreach is critical after networking to turn new contacts into meaningful professional connections. Use these templates and techniques to craft engaging follow up emails. Consistent nurturing of your network will open doors to new opportunities.