Following up after meeting is quite important in networking practices. After making the initial contact, and knowing that things went very well, it's always a good rule to follow up. As a matter of fact, it's the Golden Rule. But it is crucial and just as important to maintain and improve those relationships. Like a fine wine, they can grow better with time. So, what happens after a good follow up? At the time of the initial meeting and up to the follow up, you determine a few factors, like whether you can work together and other synergies. But what about the future possibilities? Not having a plan to maintain relationships and take advantage of the possibilities may cost you money in the long run. So here are some tips for keeping in touch and preserving good will.
One of the easiest ways to stay in touch with a new contact is to simply send an e-mail every week or so. Start explaining what you are doing or maybe just checking up to say hi. It may also be a good idea to send your new contacts an email with questions about their business and in doing so you'll get to know them a bit better. Online social networks like LinkedIn and Xing make it very easy to keep in touch by asking commenting and making queries to your new contact. You can even post updates on your wall. Branding is always important even when it comes to building relationships with contacts. So, posting updates on your wall keeps you in the frontal lobe of your new colleagues.
I also recommend asking for advice. This opens up the mind of your new contact and challenges them to prove their value. I'd also suggest alerting them about special events and industry related happenings that they may find interesting. Keep in mind that you don't have to limit yourself to strictly email as we do have that old invention, the telephone. A good phone call or voicemail left every so often can also gain great points in strengthening the relationship. And never neglect the opportunity to send a holiday greeting.
Doing these few things will strengthen a relationship with you and your new contact. That contact will now become an ally, then referrals can be exchanged and new business generated. Also, an invitation for an occasional cup of coffee or lunch is always a great gesture. It's easy to see how doing these things through a period of time can build and secure a effective responses which can lead to profits in the long run.
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