So much awesome networking happens at conferences. I always leave them feeling inspired and connected to people who are doing innovative work. However, that momentum doesn’t last forever. In fact, neither do those new professional relationships that you just seeded, unless you follow up.
I’ve attended dozens of conferences. However, I’ve maintained very few contacts from them. Just last year after speaking at an invigorating conference I started to dread the post-conference-low that I knew I would feel just days after getting back to the office. In an effort to increase my connectivity with my new colleagues, I decided to try something new: I followed up with every person I met at the conference, and even some I didn’t. As a result my network has expanded, these people have my email address on file, and I have a personal connection to people around the country working on similar projects.
After your next conference, try this.
Write an email to every person who gave you a business card. Reintroduce yourself to them, reminding them of where and how you met. Thank them for their contribution—a fascinating presentation on a panel or an interesting conversation at a meet and greet. Finally, remind them that you’re a potential partner in collaborative projects.
Write an email to the CEO of the organization that hosted the conference. Even if this is a cold introduction, go for it! Introduce yourself formally in the email and thank her and her team for putting together such a robust learning experience. Put your name on her radar.
Write an email to people you wish you had met! If there was a talk that you attended but didn’t get to meet the speaker—maybe you didn’t realize how essential the person’s talk was at the time—you still have a chance to connect with her. Review the conference agenda and find any contact information that you can. Even if you have to submit a message through the person’s company website, you’ll be sending a strong message that you went out of your way to connect with the person. Tell her what you thought of her talk and how it impacted you. Also, try asking a question to keep the momentum of the conversation going.
For all of these follow up attempts, time is of the essence. You want to formalize the connection while the conference is still fresh in their minds. As they settle back into their daily grind, they’ll be excited to receive a note reminding them of the inspiring experience you just shared.
How do you solidify new relationships with people you meet at conferences? Share your ideas in the comments below.