The Top 10 Things To Do When Following Up Leads You’ve Met Networking

We’ve all been there—chatting with someone at a networking event, exchanging business cards, promising to keep in touch… and then? Nothing. The connection fades, the opportunity disappears, and you’re left wondering what might have been.

Networking is an incredible way to grow your business, expand your circle, and discover exciting opportunities—but only if you follow up effectively. The follow-up is where the real magic happens.

Here are the top 10 things you can do to turn a casual conversation into a lasting, valuable business relationship.

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1. Follow Up Within 24–48 Hours

Timing matters. One of the most important things you can do after a networking event is to follow up promptly—ideally within 24 to 48 hours. A timely message not only keeps your conversation fresh in the other person’s mind but also shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in connecting.

Even a simple email or LinkedIn message like “Great to meet you at [Event Name]—really enjoyed our chat about [Topic]” can go a long way.

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2. Personalise Every Message

Nothing says “I wasn’t really listening” like a copy-paste message. If you want your follow-up to stand out, tailor it to the individual. Mention specific topics you discussed, something they said that stuck with you, or a shared interest you uncovered.

Personalisation shows care—and that’s what builds trust.

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3. Use a CRM to Stay Organised

Let’s face it—after a busy networking event, it’s easy to lose track of who you met and what you talked about. That’s where a good CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system becomes a game-changer.

It helps you store contact details, record meeting notes, and schedule timely follow-ups so no lead slips through the cracks. It turns warm leads into strong, trackable relationships.

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4. Connect on LinkedIn (Properly)

LinkedIn isn’t just a digital Rolodex—it’s a dynamic platform to nurture professional connections. When you send your invite, personalise it. Mention where you met and what you talked about.

After connecting, stay active: engage with their content, comment on their posts, and share relevant insights. Consistency on LinkedIn keeps you top-of-mind.

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5. Share Value — Don’t Just Sell

People can spot a sales pitch from a mile away. Instead of diving into what you do or what you offer, think about what you can give. Share an interesting article, suggest a useful tool, or offer to introduce them to someone in your network.

When you offer value first, you build trust—and trust leads to opportunity.

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6. Find the Right Follow-Up Rhythm

Follow up too often and you risk coming across as pushy. Too infrequently, and you’ll be forgotten. Aim for a balanced rhythm—an initial message within 48 hours, a gentle nudge a week later, and then regular, spaced-out check-ins (perhaps monthly) that continue to add value without overwhelming the relationship.

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7. Avoid the “All About Me” Trap

Networking is a two-way street. If your follow-up is all about what you want, people will tune out fast. Ask about them. How’s their latest project going? Is there anything they’re working on that you can support? The more generous and curious you are, the stronger the connection will be.

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8. Tailor to Your Industry’s Tempo

Not every industry moves at the same speed. In fast-paced sectors like finance or tech, a same-day follow-up might be expected. In areas like real estate or consulting, 2–3 days might be more appropriate. Knowing the tempo of your industry helps you time your message just right.

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9. Use Email Subject Lines That Get Opened

You could write the perfect email—but if your subject line doesn’t entice, it won’t get read. Use subject lines that are specific and relevant. Think:

• “Let’s continue the conversation from [Event Name]”
• “Enjoyed our chat about [Topic]—let’s reconnect”

Short, clear, and personal usually wins the inbox.

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10. Build a Follow-Up Habit, Not a One-Off Effort

The biggest networking mistake? Treating it
like a one-time event. Following up shouldn’t be something you do once—it should be a habit. Build a system, block out time in your diary, or use automated tools (with personalisation!) to help you maintain relationships over time.

Relationships grow when they’re nurtured consistently, not occasionally.

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Final Thoughts: Turn Conversations into Collaborations

The follow-up is where real business happens. It’s the difference between someone remembering your name… and someone sending you a contract. If you treat networking as the beginning of a relationship and not the end, you’ll be amazed at the opportunities that unfold.

So, next time you walk out of a networking event with a stack of business cards, remember: the cards are just paper. The follow-up is what turns them into partnerships.

Your network is your net worth