I went to a networking event last week and have a pile of business cards. I'd like to follow up by e-mail in a way that invites further contact but doesn't impose. I'm curious how other folks word their follow-ups.

Thanks!
June

I just got back from a Chamber of Commerce business lunch, with a stack of business cards. The ones that look the most promising are going to get a postcard in the mail. There were three people in particular that I shared a table with so I can start by thanking them for letting me join them. Another card from a new business that is having their grand opening on Friday. They will get a card wishing them luck with their opening. Don't know if it will be effective, but any kind of correspondence where you can get you name in front of someone else is good.

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

Those are good ideas, thanks! This was my first networking event (for my own business) and it was kind of an odd one. It was in a bar, and it was so noisy that it was hard to make conversation, so I didn't get a whole lot out of people beyond what they did. I'm hoping future events won't be so crazy!

Our local Chamber hosts a lunch once a month but they also host an "after-hours". The after hours is definitely more crazy, but you can get some good contacts out of it. Once you start going to these things you will see or hear of people that you want to talk to and you can go search them out at events.

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

I usually follow-up with an email letter that I have. It is more of a nice to meet you than a sell yourself. This way I will stay fresh in their minds. For those that I had in-depth conversations with I send a nice to meet you card (I have a send out cards account) for a more personal touch.

Usually someone takes a picture of the attendees and I ask for a copy and send it with the card.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Sorry if this is long, but I went to a seminar awhile back on the subject of networking/prospecting (sorry can't remember the speakers name) and one of the things he recommended was hand written note cards.
If anyone knows who I'm speaking of, please chime in. I can see his face, but can't remember his name!!

Anyway, the logic behind it is that in todays fast paced world, no one takes the time to do this anymore; so when you receive a hand written note, it's appreciated more than an email or form letter because you actually took the time out of your day to do it for that person. He recommended that each card:

- be 4x9 in size so that they fit in a business size envelope
- have a small photo of you in the upper right hand corner
- the photo and contact info be done in black and white
- contact info should only be your name, address, and phone (not the name of your business)
- include a tag line that defines your business (ex: Helping businesses create confidence through efficient virtual solutions)
- be written in blue ink, not black
- should not discuss business or services you offer- just build the relationship (great to meet you, great talking to you, thank you for stopping by our booth, etc.)
- refer to something you and the prospect talked about when you met

Basically in short, the goal is to build relationships so that they think of you and refer your services when someone they run into is in need of what you offer.

I hope I explained this correctly and didnt make it more confusing than it really is.

Sorry, one more thing....

The reason you don't list your business name on these notecards is because you want your tag line to spark some curiosity - so when you meet up with that person in the future, they ask you what it is you do. From there you can explain your services and it won't seem as though you are "selling" them, because they initiated the conversation.

Thank you for that explanation. It was very well put and makes a lot of sense. I personally don't understand blue ink instead of black ink, but that really is my issue!!

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

It is a color therapy thing lol Blue conveys calm and trust I believe is how he explained it. lol I dont think I owned a blue pen until after that seminar.

jahmth great tips!

The most important thing to NOT do is try to sell to these contacts. Nothing will put a person off faster than you calling to sell them right after getting their name (unless you have a definite reason to present to them). I just had a big (multi-day) conversation with two people about this on twitter.

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Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.

So maybe something like, "I really enjoyed meeting you at the (name of event) last week. I hope we'll get a chance to talk again at the next one. Cheers, June"?

I would use that as a start. Try to personalize each one but if you use that as your base and go from there it sounds good.

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Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.

I like Lanel's suggestion.. honestly, there are some people that you meet that you know you aren't going to work with. Those/and everyone, I send a short generic note like the one mentioned about..

Others, there might be potential and I might personalize theirs a bit more - especially if I had and enjoyed a conversation with them.

Trying to sell is really important. I met with someone last night that I met at a networking event.. just to learn about each others business.. It was a great conversation. We found out we had a lot in common and it may or may not result in business. But hopefully she will think of me when she talks to someone who might need a VA, even if its not her.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

I will definitely try to get more information about people at the next event I go to so I can personalize the follow up. It was so loud that I didn't feel like I really got to know anybody. The folks who stand out most in my mind are the really drunk blond woman who loves 80s music and the horny decorating contractor. Neither of whom, as you can imagine, are high on my follow up list. I did meet a very nice website designer I would like to stay in touch with.

I dunno about that - the really drunk lady could be a great prospect - you could contact her and tell her you're ready to start, and she wouldn't remember if she hired you or not. Just Kidding.....