Beyond Business Cards: Creative Ways to Connect After a Networking Event

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Networking events are valuable opportunities to make connections, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful relationships. However, the true value of networking extends beyond the event itself. In today’s digital age, there are countless creative ways to connect and follow up with individuals after a networking event, beyond the traditional exchange of business cards. In this article, we’ll explore alternative methods of post-event follow-up and offer creative ideas to help you nurture and strengthen your professional network.

Connect on Social Media

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay connected after a networking event is through social media platforms. Connect with individuals you met at the event on LinkedIn, Twitter, or other relevant platforms. Personalize your connection request by referencing your conversation at the event to jog their memory and express your interest in staying in touch.

Send Personalized Emails

Sending personalized follow-up emails is another effective way to nurture relationships after a networking event. Reference specific points from your conversation, express gratitude for their time and insights, and suggest opportunities for further collaboration or discussion. Be genuine and sincere in your communication to leave a positive impression and encourage continued engagement.

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Schedule Coffee Meetings or Virtual Calls

Take your networking efforts to the next level by scheduling one-on-one coffee meetings or virtual calls with individuals you met at the event. Use this opportunity to dive deeper into your conversation, explore potential synergies or collaborations, and build a stronger rapport. Be proactive in suggesting meeting times and locations to demonstrate your commitment to fostering the relationship.

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Share Relevant Resources or Articles

Stay top-of-mind with your networking contacts by sharing relevant resources or articles that align with their interests or industry. This could include blog posts, whitepapers, or news articles that you come across in your professional endeavors. Personalize your outreach by explaining why you thought they might find the resource valuable and how it relates to your previous conversation.

Collaborate on Projects or Initiatives

Identify opportunities for collaboration or partnership based on the common interests or goals you discovered during the networking event. Whether it’s collaborating on a project, participating in a joint initiative, or co-hosting a webinar or workshop, leveraging shared interests can strengthen your relationship and create mutually beneficial opportunities for both parties.

Attend Industry Events Together

Stay connected with your networking contacts by attending industry events or conferences together. Look for opportunities to meet up at relevant events, workshops, or seminars, and use these occasions to deepen your connection, expand your network, and explore new opportunities for collaboration or partnership. Invite your new connections to our group: Networking For Awesome People!

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Networking events serve as catalysts for building connections and fostering professional relationships, but the true value lies in the follow-up and ongoing engagement that occurs after the event. By exploring alternative methods of post-event follow-up and leveraging creative strategies such as connecting on social media, sending personalized emails, scheduling coffee meetings, sharing resources, collaborating on projects, and attending industry events together, you can nurture and strengthen your professional network effectively. Remember that genuine relationships are built over time through consistent communication, mutual support, and shared experiences. So, embrace these creative follow-up strategies and watch your network flourish as you continue to cultivate meaningful connections in your professional journey.

Hello! I’m Rachel Albertson – your online marketing and branding strategist. Let’s get started on your Unstoppable Entrepreneur Journey!

Rachel Albertson
Author: Rachel Albertson

It's me... Rachel