The networking event is over, and like many business professionals, you have plenty of business cards and great leads from your networking function. Is your work done? What is the next step in building relationships? What can you do to make the most of your networking efforts? How can you track and make a meaningful and productive impact? Listed below are some key tips that any entrepreneur or business professional can use to develop great relationships and properly connect with their business counterparts for networking success.
Contact point
After you receive your colleagues’ business cards and contact information, follow up within three days. Three days is the exact amount of time needed to stay fresh in your contact’s mind. It also allows you to have some time to properly prepare an email, phone call or letter/correspondence to your business counterparty. If you decide to contact your business counterparty within three days of your meeting, you risk losing that potential contact. Your business colleague is less likely to remember you or the conversation or connection you shared. They may also have misplaced or lost your contact information, if they haven’t contacted you yet. And they may be busy with work, family, career, or school and won’t have enough time to communicate with you. Don’t let too much time go by when you follow up after meeting with your contacts.
Organize a reunion
Once you’ve contacted your business counterparty, be sure to schedule a follow-up meeting. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of your premature relationship and find effective ways of doing business. The meeting must be within two weeks of the meeting with your business counterparty. Make sure that if you are kicking off the meeting, it is beneficial to both parties. You can suggest meeting with your counterpart at his or her office if it’s convenient. Or, you can meet at a restaurant for breakfast or lunch. You can also choose a coffee shop, bookstore or cafe that is suitable for both of you. Since you are starting the meeting, it is polite to cover the tab. If your counterparty insists on paying their share, that’s perfectly fine.
Prepare for the meeting
Now that you have arranged a meeting or one-on-one with your business counterpart, it is imperative that you prepare for the meeting or event. You should ask your counterparty to submit information about them and their company so that you can become familiar with their business, company, services or brand. Another good idea is to visit their website and learn about their business culture, organizational management, history/background, and clientele/clients. This can give you great insight into how you can work together or help your business counterpart. Also, identify key problems or solutions that could benefit your colleague. Brainstorm and create questions about how you can grow or help them in their business.
One day before the meeting
Once you’ve arranged a meeting, researched, and are prepared for the meeting or event, be sure to confirm the meeting a day in advance. If there is any change in time or place, please inform your counterpart in advance as a form of respect. Also encourage your counterpart to bring brochures, pamphlets, or additional material about your business, organization, or services. Following up the day before and showing initiative will increase your credibility and professionalism with your business counterpart.