You’ve just heard someone speak or attended a meeting where you met someone with common interests. Or perhaps you just attended a conference and have a stash on business cards. What’s your next step?
First 12 hours
Look at the business card or your note and recall everything that was interesting and important to remember about them. Do they work at an organization, or know someone who works at an organization that you’d like to explore? Are they doing something interesting? Make a note on the card along with the date and place you met.
Which of these people are “A” list candidates? These would be people you want to make sure they don’t forget you. They are also the people you may have offered something, such as a resource, or to introduce them to someone you know, or a vacation tip, etc. What can you do for them? Yes, this is the first questions, not, “What can they do for you?” Why would they want to continue a conversation with you? Don’t assume anything!
Look for people who can influence your work or job search. Influencers are more strategic than direct hiring managers, since they introduce many opportunities.
Search for collaborators. Cultivate relationships that may lead to referrals and job or work leads. After all, the best way to grow as a professional is often through collaborating with others.
Keep the rest of the cards with your notes. A contact made today, may not bring what you need today, but that person may be the resource you needed (or needed you) for a situation in the future.
Next 12 hours
Google your “A” list to see any additional common areas of interest. Check out their LinkedIn profile. This is not stalking, its just doing your homework.
Send a follow-up email or, at minimum LinkedIn invitation. Both of these should be personal, individual messages (not the stock invitation) including why you’d like to stay in touch with them. Be sure to include anything you offered in your initial conversation. Ask if they prefer to schedule a phone chat or coffee meeting as a follow-up. Show interest in what they do and who they are.
Follow them on Twitter, which can provide real time data to improve the content of your communication. If you see a personal connection outside of work and/or it makes sense, connect on Facebook.
Or, just call the person. Let them know that you enjoyed meeting them and would like to keep the conversation going.
The next 12 hours
Add Their Info to Your Contact Management System.
Be a Connector. Introduce two people who can help each other. Its courteous to first ask each person, individually, if they would like to be connected. You are always remembered as the person who made the introduction.
Ideally, make contact within 48 hours, but don’t fail to reach out if it is later than that time frame. Networking can be assimilated into your daily activities with a simple change in mindset to be more effortless. A small, consistent investment of time each week can pay off huge dividends in the future for you and your network.