Awhile back I received the following e-mail, and it made my day! For years I have espoused my 4-step plan for successfully networking through groups: Sign up, Show up, Follow up and Step up. Of the 4 steps, my favorite is following up because it really is the key for cementing a relationship. I also think it's the best opportunity to be creative.
A big part of following up for me is to call many people before a networking event. Yes, you heard me correctly -
before the event. I also call people after the event. I call people I saw and people I didn't see, people I wanted to see, and people I expected to see. The point is to use the event to connect with people.
So here is the nugget I found in my inbox:
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From: Janis_Smith@anyco.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 3:43 PM
To: Ken Tudhope
Subject: FEI
Ken,
I thought I would head you off at the pass before I get a phone call from you tomorrow asking why I wasn't at FEI tonight. My husband is not feeling well, so I need to take care of the kids, which is why I won't be there. Looking at the calendar, it appears that I will be travelling at the same time as the FEI meetings for November and December. So, unfortunately, I will not be able to make it to a meeting until 2011. Hopefully, by then, I should be back in action.
I hope all is well with you, and I'm looking forward to hearing what your next adventure will be after that triathlon in South America last year.
Take care,
Janis
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This message made my day because a friend and colleague was thinking about me and I wasn't standing right in front of her, which is always nice. Second, this person followed up with me first, which is networking gold. I had connected with her and considered her a friend, and my past effort to build our relationship through following up was something she valued.
If you ever think your efforts aren't being noticed, think again. I encourage you to make follow-up a key part of your networking activities.
