Lost in Translation?
So I’m networking. In person. Live and unedited.
Wow…this is seriously a new experience for me.
I like my pretty personalized thank-you notes to send out after a meeting, but I’m always wondering if it’s gauche to put my business card in with them since I know the person already has my card from the event.
You see, I don’t try to talk to everyone at an event. Just one or two people that I can really connect with. I don’t have the energy to "work" an entire room. I wouldn’t want to. If you try and talk to everyone you bond with no one.
So now I’m just trying to determine what I want to do after the cards are sent and out. Do I do a follow up email or phone call. For me, it’s not about what the "right" way to follow up is…it’s about having a good plan so I can keep track of who I’ve talked to, who has gotten a card and what the right day to call someone on is.
I’d like to be consistent if at all possible, and then "mix it up" if I happen to be in the mood or it seems appropriate for the situation.
I searched Google (shocking, right?) and found everything from a simple "Follow up with an email" to a ten step process on how to do it.
Ultimately, I bet that as long as your follow up matches your personal style, you’ll be fine.
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Jennifer was a
Virtual Assistant for over four years. Now? She has been interviewed by the LA Times, ABC News and worked on campaigns for Frito Lay, Hanes, Walmart, and At-A-Glance to name a few. She's been paying her mortgage and bills from home for almost seven years now.
Hey Jen!
I think you hit the nail right on the head. I think “follow-ups” need to match and reflect your own personal style. This is why people are going to want to work with you; because you are a good match.
There are so many different follow-up processes and not all ways will work for everyone. You have great flare and I think this should through in your follow-ups. People will love it!
Great topic Jen, it’s got me thinking more about my own follow-up processes.
Jen W.
I’m envious that you have the networking opportunity! I know, while you may be nervous about your follow-up, you will do it with the vigor that potential clients will be looking for.
As to putting an extra card in — it lets them have a spare for referral purposes. Also the one picked up at the event is in a stack of others. When you put it in the thank you, you save the person that first search.
Blow ‘em away!