The Follow-Up Method, or How to Successfully Complete a Business Acquaintance

How do you feel about useful introductions? People often go to master classes, business conferences and forums for beneficial connections. After such meetings you can get an invitation for a cup of coffee in a quiet atmosphere, and some messages more often look like an imposition of unnecessary services.

Messages that are sent after dating to solidify communication and further business relationships are called follow-up.

This is a simple but effective method of networking for anyone looking for clients, partners and performers.

Networking in itself is an amazing networking tool. But it’s important to be able to continue communicating with the person you’re talking to in a way that sustains the communication. There are few stories where one conversation has made people business partners. But there are enough cases where one well-timed email with the results of a meeting and a reminder led to brilliant collaborations.

So how can we enhance the results of networking with the follow-up method?

Here are some recommendations.

  • Try to send a message within 24 hours after the meeting. You may be forgotten later.
  • Offer some benefit on your part. Why the person should be friends with you. It will be your services. Or maybe you’ll introduce him to the right people.

For example, during a business meeting the interlocutor said that he could not paint a car. And you have in mind an excellent service. Write about it in an email. That way you will be noticed.

  • Pay attention to any common points between you, even if it’s just a funny situation in which you both fall.
  • Be sure to say thank you for the conversation.
  • Finish the message with an offer of something interesting.

For example, “Let’s exchange accounts so we can keep in touch. And if you need help organizing holidays – I’m always in touch.”

  • Another important recommendation – when the person above you in status, act step by step. First do one action, then start the next.

If you remember, you also get such reminders after live meetings or online dating. Follow-up has always been and still is a working method of contact. It is sure to help you not only make business acquaintances, but also prolong them and transform them into partnerships.