You did your research, prepared yourself well, and attended a networking event. What do you do now? Networking does not stop when the cheese and cracker plate is empty and everyone has gone home. No, the steps you take after a networking event are the most essential part of effective networking. This is where you can turn leads into business.
Next time you return from a networking event, follow these steps to make the most of your newly acquired contacts.
Review
Reflect on your experience and make note of what you did well and what you need to improve on. Did you collect business cards, distribute yours? Did you speak with the right people? Did you ask the right questions? Each networking event should act as a learning tool, so after each event, make conscious strives to improve and be better than the time before.
Build your Rolodex
Add all new contacts and their info into your Rolodex or contact management system. Note important details that you remember: where they work, how long they have worked there, what is their position, are they in a position to make business decision, any common connections, and noteworthy attributes. By astutely listening and taking mental notes at these events, you can analyze their business potential for your company.
Follow Up
Send a follow up email to all your new contacts and reach out to them on social media platforms. Sending a simple, "nice meeting you" email, is effective to begin engagement with Further explore their networks on social media to see if your networks overlap by looking for your new contacts on Twitter, Facebook,and Linkedin.
Thank the Host
Remember to send a thank you to the host of the event. By keeping a good rapport with the host, you can secure invites to up-and-coming events.
Spread the News
You can also post about the event on your blog or tweet about the it. Post any photos you may have taken from the event as well.
Strategize
Begin to strategize on how you can make the most of your new connections. What can you do for them? Can they do anything for you? Perhaps you can work together on an upcoming project. Do they have a network that you could possibly fit in with? Think out of the box, the possibilities are endless.
You have attended a networking event, taken the appropriate follow up steps, now its time to begin your plan of attack for the next networking event that you wish to tackle. If you do not already have one scheduled, now is a great time to do some more research and get out there and connect.
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