Networking Event Follow-Up: Effective Strategies and Examples

Attending a networking event is an exciting opportunity to meet new people and build connections that could help advance your consulting career. Whether you're hoping to land your next job, gain valuable insights, or simply expand your professional circle, the real magic happens after the event—when you follow up. A thoughtful follow-up can transform a fleeting interaction into a lasting professional relationship.

In this article, we’ll explore why following up is so important, and share practical strategies for crafting the perfect follow-up message. You’ll also find examples and common mistakes to avoid, helping you make the most of every networking event you attend.

Importance of Following Up

Let’s face it: at networking events, you probably meet dozens of people in just a few hours. You exchange business cards, chat briefly, and move on to the next person. But here’s the thing—if you don’t follow up afterward, it’s easy for that interaction to get lost in the shuffle.

That’s where the follow-up comes in. It’s your chance to stand out, show that you truly value the connection, and turn that one-time interaction into something more meaningful. A well-timed follow-up message isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s an opportunity to strengthen that connection, reinforce your professionalism, and potentially open doors to new opportunities.

When you follow up promptly, you’re reminding the person of your conversation and demonstrating your commitment to building a professional relationship. This is especially crucial in consulting, where relationships and trust are everything.

By taking the time to send a follow-up, you’re showing that you’re serious about growing your network, and that you’re ready to take the next step in your professional journey. It’s a small effort that can pay off big time.

Now that you know why following up is so important, let’s dive into how you can craft the perfect follow-up message to keep that momentum going.

Timing Your Follow-Up

When it comes to following up after a networking event, timing really is everything. Reaching out within 24 to 48 hours is key to keeping the conversation fresh and showing your genuine enthusiasm. You want to be on their radar while the event is still recent, so they remember who you are and what you discussed.

So, why is timing so important? After a networking event, attendees often meet many people in a short period, and it’s easy for conversations to blur together. If you wait too long to reach out, you risk your message getting lost or forgotten. A quick follow-up, on the other hand, ensures you stay at the top of their mind.

Here’s why following up within 24 to 48 hours matters:

1. You Show Initiative: When you send your message soon after the event, you demonstrate that you’re serious about continuing the conversation. It shows you're motivated and proactive—qualities that are especially important in consulting.
2. It Reinforces the Connection: A timely follow-up reminds them of your conversation, making it easier for them to recall key details about you. This helps strengthen the connection and gives you a better chance of building a meaningful relationship.
3. You Keep the Momentum Going: After a networking event, people are buzzing with new connections and ideas. If you reach out quickly, you’re riding that wave of energy and enthusiasm. This can increase the chances of securing a follow-up conversation or opportunity.
4. It Increases Your Chances of a Response: The sooner you follow up, the more likely they are to respond. They’re still processing all the people they met, so getting your message in early puts you in a better position to get a timely reply.

Of course, you don’t want to rush it. You need to strike the right balance—not too soon, but not too late. Aim to send your follow-up within 24 to 48 hours for the best results. In the next section, we’ll dive into how to craft a message that leaves a lasting impression.

Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Message

Now that you know why timing matters, let’s talk about how to craft a follow-up message that will leave a lasting impression. A well-written message can make the difference between turning a brief interaction into a meaningful connection or letting it slip away. The key is to be thoughtful, clear, and genuine.

Here’s how you can craft a follow-up that stands out:

1. Start with a Warm Thank You

Begin by thanking the person for taking the time to chat with you at the event. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in showing that you appreciate their time and the conversation. You might say, “It was great meeting you at [event name]! I really enjoyed our discussion about [specific topic].”

2. Reference Something Specific from Your Conversation

Personalization is key here. Mention something specific that you discussed during your conversation—whether it was a shared interest or a point that resonated with you. This helps the person remember who you are and shows that you were engaged. For example: “I loved hearing your thoughts on [topic], and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.”

3. Add Value or Offer Help

You want to show that you’re interested in more than just making a quick connection. Offering something of value—like a helpful article, a useful resource, or a connection to someone in your network—helps strengthen your relationship. You could say: “I came across this article on [topic], and I thought it might be something you’d find interesting. I’d be happy to share it if you'd like.”

4. Suggest a Next Step

Make your follow-up actionable by proposing a clear next step. This could be scheduling a follow-up call, meeting for coffee, or simply staying in touch. For example: “I’d love to continue our conversation about [topic]. Would you be open to a quick call next week?”

5. Keep It Short and Sweet

Remember, your follow-up message should be concise and to the point. Professionals are busy, so respect their time by keeping your message brief but meaningful. A few sentences should be enough to express your gratitude, personalize the message, and suggest the next steps.

Here’s an example of what your follow-up might look like:

Subject: Great to Connect at [Event Name]!

Hi [Name],

It was a pleasure meeting you at [event name] yesterday! I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic], and I’ve been reflecting on your insights about [related point].

I also came across this article on [topic] and thought you might find it useful. Happy to share it if you’re interested!

If you’re open to it, I’d love to continue our discussion. Would you be available for a quick call sometime next week?

Looking forward to staying in touch!

Best regards,
 [Your Name]
 [Your LinkedIn Profile] (optional)

By including these elements in your message, you’ll make a great impression and show that you’re genuinely interested in continuing the conversation. In the next section, we’ll go over some sample email templates for different types of follow-ups you might encounter.

Sample Follow-Up Email Templates

To help you put everything into practice, here are a few follow-up email templates you can customize after a networking event. Whether you're simply staying in touch, requesting a quick chat, or sharing something valuable, these templates are designed to make your life easier.

Template 1: General Follow-Up

Subject: Great Connecting at [Event Name]

Body:
 Hi [Name],

It was great meeting you at [event name]! I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed]. I’d love to stay connected and continue the discussion.

Would you be open to grabbing coffee or having a quick chat sometime soon about [related topic]? Looking forward to staying in touch!

Best regards,
 [Your Name]

Template 2: Request for Informational Interview

Subject: Exploring [Specific Topic] – Follow-Up from [Event Name]

Body:
 Hi [Name],

It was wonderful meeting you at [event name]! I found your insights on [specific topic discussed] incredibly valuable, and I’d love to learn more about your experience in [related field].

Would you have 20-30 minutes sometime in the next week or two for a quick informational interview? I’d really appreciate any advice you might have about [specific area or career path].

Thank you for your time, and I’m looking forward to connecting soon!

Best regards,
 [Your Name]

Template 3: Offering Value

Subject: Sharing [Resource/Article] – Following Up from [Event Name]

Body:
 Hi [Name],

It was a pleasure meeting you at [event name]! During our conversation, you mentioned [specific topic], and I thought you might find this article on [related subject] interesting. Here’s the link: [Link to article/resource].

If you're up for it, I’d love to continue our conversation and hear more about your work in [related field]. Would you be interested in a quick follow-up call next week?

Best regards,
 [Your Name]

These templates are a great starting point. Just plug in the details, and you’ll have a personalized follow-up ready to go! In the next section, we’ll explore how to maintain your professional relationships over time.

Utilizing Professional Platforms

After sending your follow-up email, LinkedIn is a great next step for solidifying your connection and staying visible. It’s more than just adding someone to your network—it’s about actively engaging with them and continuing to nurture that professional relationship.

LinkedIn Connections

One of the easiest ways to keep the connection going is by sending a personalized LinkedIn connection request. Don’t just hit “Connect” and leave it at that—take a moment to write a brief message that reminds them of who you are and references your conversation. This extra step shows you’re genuinely interested in staying in touch.

For example:
 “Hi [Name],

It was great meeting you at [event name]! I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed], and I’d love to stay connected here on LinkedIn. Looking forward to keeping in touch and learning more about your work at [company].”

This simple gesture will help you stand out and make it clear that you value the connection, not just the interaction.

Engaging with Their Content

Once you’ve connected, don’t stop there—engage with their posts and share your thoughts. LinkedIn isn’t just a platform for connecting, it’s a place where you can keep the conversation going. Liking, commenting, and sharing their content shows that you’re staying engaged and that you care about what they’re up to. It’s a way to stay visible without being pushy.

Here’s how you can keep the conversation alive:

• Like and comment on their posts, especially when it’s something relevant to your shared interests.
• Share their content with a thoughtful comment or tag them if you think it’s something worth discussing.
• Congratulate them on their professional milestones, like promotions or new projects, to show you’re paying attention to their success.

Engaging with their content helps you stay top-of-mind, and it’s a natural way to show that you’re invested in building a long-term professional relationship.

Maintaining the Relationship

Building a strong network doesn’t end with your follow-up message—it’s about keeping those relationships going over time. Nurturing professional connections requires a bit of effort, but the payoff is worth it. Periodic check-ins and offering help can ensure that your relationships remain valuable and grow in the long run.

Periodic Check-Ins

One of the simplest ways to maintain a relationship is through occasional check-ins. This doesn’t mean you need to send messages every month, but staying in touch every few months with a thoughtful note can go a long way. Here’s how you can do it:

• Share your updates: Let them know what you’ve been up to—whether it’s a new project, a milestone, or a recent career move. Sharing your progress keeps the conversation flowing and shows that you're actively moving forward.
• Congratulate their achievements: When you notice they’ve had a work anniversary, a promotion, or an exciting new project, drop them a message to congratulate them. It’s a small gesture, but it shows you’re paying attention to their success.
• Send relevant information: If you come across something you think might interest them—a helpful article, an event, or a resource—send it along. This shows that you’re thinking about them and genuinely care about their professional growth.

These small check-ins help keep the relationship warm without being too pushy. It shows that you’re genuinely interested in staying connected, not just when you need something.

Offering Assistance

Another great way to keep your professional relationships strong is by offering help when you can—without expecting anything in return. Being genuinely helpful not only strengthens your connection but also shows that you’re invested in their success.

Here’s how you can offer assistance:

• Send helpful resources: If you come across an article or a resource that might benefit them, send it along with a short note explaining why you think it could be valuable.
• Make introductions: If you know someone in your network who could help them with a challenge they’re facing, offer to make an introduction. It’s a great way to help without asking for anything in return.
• Give advice: If they reach out for your opinion or advice, offer it generously. Even if it’s just a quick tip, it shows that you're willing to support their journey, whether it's a career move or a project they’re working on.

Helping others without expecting anything back builds trust and strengthens the foundation of your relationship. It shows that you’re not just networking for your own benefit, but that you genuinely want to support their growth, too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While it’s important to follow up and maintain your connections, there are a few mistakes that can hurt your networking efforts. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you build stronger, more meaningful relationships without creating unnecessary roadblocks.

Being Overly Persistent

It’s natural to want to stay on someone’s radar after a networking event, but there’s a fine line between persistence and being pushy. Sending too many messages in a short time can quickly make you seem desperate or impatient, which can turn the conversation sour.

Here’s the key: Follow up once within 24-48 hours, and then give them some time. If you don’t hear back after a week or two, consider sending a polite, low-pressure follow-up. But if there’s still no response after that, it’s best to back off. Be patient, respect their space, and understand that people are busy—it’s about quality, not quantity.

Generic Messages

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is sending a generic, copy-paste message. While it may save you time, it doesn’t show that you value the connection or the person you met. If your message feels impersonal, it’s much less likely to lead to anything meaningful.

Instead, take a moment to personalize your message. Mention something specific you discussed or something that stood out during your conversation. For example, rather than just saying, "Great meeting you," you could say, "I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic], and I’ve been thinking about your insight on [related point]." It’s the little things that make your message feel genuine.

Neglecting Proofreading

Professionalism matters, and nothing screams "careless" like an email filled with typos or grammatical errors. Even a small mistake can undermine your credibility and make you appear unprofessional.

Before hitting send, take a minute to read through your message. Double-check for any spelling or grammar errors, and ensure your tone is clear and respectful. It’s a simple step, but it shows that you care about the details and value the other person’s time.

By steering clear of these mistakes, you’ll come across as thoughtful, professional, and respectful, increasing your chances of building lasting relationships. In the next section, we’ll talk about how to wrap up your networking efforts without closing the door to future opportunities.