I make a point of following up with people I meet at networking events within 24 hours.
The subject of the email is "exchanging coordinates" (that's what works for me), but the objective is to establish a permission-based relationship to continue the relationship outside of the event.
You know how people hand out cards and you know that not all of them are sincere. No problem. This is just a way to separate the "wheat" from the "chaff."
I try to combine an authentic and personal touch with scalable/automated technology to gain the most efficiency/effectiveness from the process.
- I've set up a basic Excel spreadsheet with the person's first name, email address, and a line for a personal note that ties back to our conversation (I just copied down in this example, but each one MUST be unique).
2. Next, I set up a Word document with a "Mail Merge" from the previous Excel file. My template looks like this:
«First_Name»,
Great meeting you today.
«Note»
Just wanted to follow up and exchange coordinates digitally.Drop me a response if you’d like to stay in touch.
Also, I’m on LinkedIn Facebook, Twitter, Plaxo, and FriendFeed. (Pick your poison :-))
And my blog is Igniting the Revolution [RSS/subscribe by email]
Regards,
Jeremy
P.S. My first WOM/Social Media client is NYT-bestselling author, Dan Pink. I’m helping to drive sales of his new book via www.johnnybunko.com
www.jer979.com [RSS/subscribe by email]
LinkedIn, Facebook, Plaxo, TwitterSkype: jer979
3. Everything in between the <<>> is being merged with the data from Excel, btw.
4. Then, I send via Outlook to each recipient individually
What this allows the recipient to do is to choose if (and how)to connect with me. I like to "strike while the iron is hot," and solidify the connection. This process enables me to do that.








Comments
Rick Dassler, Alliance Science said on 5.07.2008 at 11:49 PM
Great approach, Jeremy. Inspired me to take action. Maybe I'll see you at a Networking event -- I'm local. :^)
sarah moore said on 5.19.2008 at 9:12 AM
this sucks
Jeremy said on 5.19.2008 at 11:44 AM
Sarah,
Sorry you feel that way. It'd be great if you would elaborate so that it can be improved...
Thanks for reading.
Sean said on 4.17.2009 at 2:27 AM
This helps, thanks!
Doug McIsaac said on 7.21.2009 at 10:42 AM
Great to way to handle post event contacts. Nice and simple. The key that most people miss is that you mention something from the conversation that you had with them.
I always write any notes on the back of business cards from new contacts or else I would never remember who they were and why I had their card.
Doug
Gail said on 9.27.2009 at 11:54 PM
Excellent way to follow up. Sometimes its hard to think of what to say in a follow up note. This is quick way to follow up and not feel stressed!