The Best Ways to Follow Up After Networking Events: Building Lasting Connections and Referral Partnerships

Networking events are a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, build connections, and grow your business. But what truly sets successful entrepreneurs apart is what happens after the event—the follow-up. Follow-up is crucial because it’s how you solidify relationships, nurture potential partnerships, and turn those brief interactions into long-term business growth.

In this blog, we'll explore the best strategies for following up after a networking event. We'll also cover how to identify potential referral partners, great connections, and vibe partners, as well as how to use different mediums like WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and emails effectively. Plus, we’ll include sample scripts to help you get started.

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Step 1: Identifying Potential Referral Partners, Connects, and Vibe Partners

Before diving into the follow-up process, it's important to assess the connections you made during the networking event and classify them based on the potential value they bring to your business.

1. Referral Partners

These are people who may not need your product or service directly but are connected to your target audience. They can refer clients or customers to you, and you can do the same for them. Great referral partners are typically in complementary industries. For example:
- A web designer partnering with a branding expert.
- A business consultant teaming up with a legal advisor.

2. Great Business Connections

These are individuals who share similar goals and values as you. They may not provide direct referrals, but their insight, expertise, and collaboration can help you grow your business in other ways, like joint ventures, collaborations, or shared projects.

3. Vibe Partners

Sometimes, you meet people who simply resonate with your energy and ethos. They may not be directly related to your business, but they provide a supportive and motivational relationship that keeps you grounded and inspired.

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Step 2: Selecting the Right Medium for Follow-Up

When choosing how to follow up, it’s crucial to pick the right medium depending on your relationship with the person and the context of the interaction.

 1. WhatsApp Follow-Up

WhatsApp is a quick, personal way to follow up after a networking event, especially if you’ve exchanged phone numbers and the conversation was more casual. This is great for:
- Vibe partners who you connected with on a more personal level.
- Referral partners where you’ve already discussed business collaborations.

Sample Script for WhatsApp:

Hi [Name],
It was great meeting you at [Event Name]! I loved our chat about [Topic]. I’d love to continue the conversation and explore how we can collaborate further. Let’s catch up sometime this week? 😊

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2. LinkedIn Follow-Up

LinkedIn is perfect for professional follow-ups, especially for potential business connections or referral partners. It adds a formal tone and provides a platform for showcasing your professional expertise.

Sample Script for LinkedIn:

Hi [Name],
It was such a pleasure meeting you at [Event Name]. I really enjoyed learning about [specific insight from your conversation]. I’d love to stay connected and explore potential opportunities for collaboration. Looking forward to staying in touch!

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 3. Email Follow-Up

For more formal or detailed follow-ups, email is the best option. This works particularly well for great business connections or referral partners where you may want to provide more information about your business or propose a specific next step.

Sample Script for Email:

Subject: Great Connecting at [Event Name]

Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well! It was a pleasure meeting you at [Event Name] and discussing [specific topic or shared interest]. I believe there’s a lot of potential for us to collaborate or refer clients to one another. I’d love to schedule a time next week to chat further about how we can support each other’s business growth.
Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Business Name]

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Step 3: Structuring Your Follow-Up Conversation

When following up, always aim to provide value in the conversation. Here’s a structure you can follow to make your follow-up effective:

1. Reference the Event:
Start by mentioning where you met and what you discussed, so they can recall the conversation.

2. Express Interest:
Show genuine interest in their business and how you can help them achieve their goals. This makes the conversation mutually beneficial, rather than a one-sided pitch.

3. Offer a Next Step:
Instead of leaving the conversation open-ended, suggest a specific action—whether it’s scheduling a coffee meeting, a quick call, or sending additional resources.

4. Follow Up Again (If Needed):
If you don’t hear back after the first follow-up, it’s okay to gently nudge them again with a reminder. This shows persistence without being pushy.

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Step 4: Timing Your Follow-Up

Timing is key when it comes to following up. Here’s a general rule of thumb:
- Within 24 hours: Send an initial message to say it was great meeting them and briefly summarize the conversation.
- Within 2-3 days: Follow up with more context or details to schedule a call or coffee meeting.
- 1 week later (if needed): If they haven’t responded, send a polite reminder.

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Step 5: Follow-Up Best Practices

Here are some golden rules for following up after a networking event:

- Be Specific: Reference something you discussed at the event so they can remember you.
- Provide Value: Think about how you can offer help, insight, or a referral.
- Be Genuine: People can tell if you’re being authentic, so make sure your follow-up is sincere.
- Don’t Be Pushy: If they don’t respond right away, don’t bombard them with messages. Give them time.
- Stay Consistent: Even if they don’t respond or the collaboration doesn’t happen immediately, keep them in your network for future opportunities.

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Step 6: Turning Networking Contacts into Referral Partners

When following up with potential referral partners, your focus should be on building trust and providing value. Here are a few strategies to help foster a referral relationship:

1. Offer to Help First:
Before asking for referrals, offer something of value to them. It could be a referral, a helpful resource, or simply connecting them with someone in your network.

2. Communicate Regularly:
Stay in touch with potential referral partners regularly. Don’t just reach out when you need something—check in, share updates, and stay engaged.

3. Be Clear About Your Target Market:
If you want to get referrals, make sure your potential partner knows exactly what kind of clients you’re looking for.

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Following up after a networking event is an essential part of the relationship-building process. By identifying the right connections, using the appropriate follow-up medium, and providing value, you can transform casual conversations into meaningful business relationships. Whether it’s a referral partner, a collaboration, or a great business connection, the right follow-up can unlock countless opportunities.

If you’re looking for a community that supports this kind of growth and collaboration, consider joining Homepreneurs Club. We’re dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs like you connect, grow, and thrive!

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By following these detailed steps, you’ll ensure that your networking follow-ups are effective and meaningful, helping you build a strong foundation for your business grow

You may also like to read:

How to Start Conversations with Strangers at a Networking Event