3 Things You Must Do After a Networking Event

What steps do you take after attending a networking event?

Let’s say it was a successful night. You engaged in meaningful conversations and made many new connections.

Maybe you worked your way around the room like an expert networker and brought people together like a super-connector. You provided value to others, collected business cards from those you found influential, and met (or exceeded!) goals you set for yourself.

What’s next? Do you just cross it off your to-do list and move on?

What you do within 24 hours following a networking event will determine what you get out of it. This is the ideal time to build on the connections you made and begin nurturing what you hope will turn out to be beneficial long-term relationships. Do not miss out on this opportunity!

Here are three things you must do after a networking event to help you gain the most from it.

#1: Follow Up with New Connections

Review the business cards you acquired and note something memorable like a funny story the person told or the hat they were wearing as you enter their contact info. Write down details you discussed like birthdays or anniversaries or other milestones and achievements.

Send a message to your new contacts or call to tell them how valuable you found your conversation and that you would like to stay connected. Be specific! Help them remember who you are. If you talked about organizing a post-event meetup, then set it up right away. If you promised to facilitate an introduction, then follow through. If you do not have a well-thought-out system for developing relationships after these events, then do not bother going. It is all for nothing, and you are just wasting your time.

#2: Show Your Appreciation

When communicating with your newfound connections be sure to say thank you for the time they spent with you and show appreciation for the value they provided. A little gratitude goes a long way, and really makes a difference!

Send a thank-you note to the event host. It is challenging work putting these together. Let them know it went well and if there is anything you could assist with next time. You should always consider how you can benefit others. And you never know! As they are reading your email, they may have just gotten off the phone with a person who is looking to connect with someone like you, and they could make an introduction.

#3: Reflect on Your Experience

Do a deep reflection on what went well and upon what you can improve. Did you set reasonable expectations? Were you prepared enough and ready with your elevator pitch? How effective were your conversation starters and enders? Did you engage in small talk and pay attention to your body language? Overall, did you navigate the event like a pro?

When building rapport and fostering connections you must be present in the moment. Were you in the right mindset and approach everything with a positive attitude? Did you really listen and understand and genuinely engage with people? Taking time to reflect on your overall experience will highlight any changes you should consider for your next one.

The event is over, but it doesn’t end there!

You need to have a post-event plan in place. Otherwise, there is no point in going if you are not truly developing relationships afterward or considering what you experienced. And taking action right away is most important while details are still fresh and before you get sidetracked with other projects.

Networking events have their pros and cons, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. They can be good for your health and it is in your best interest to go. Social gatherings can open the door to many opportunities and prospects! But you need to learn how to take advantage of what is offered. Doing these three things after every event will help you discover how valuable they can be.