Get Noticed: 4 Follow-Up Email Templates You Need!
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Have you ever left a networking event wondering, "Now what?”
The secret sauce to turning those quick introductions into meaningful connections?
It's all in the follow-up. Sending a well-crafted email afterward can make all the difference. In this article, we'll dive into why follow-ups matter, how to write a killer follow-up email and share some practical email templates to get you started.
Ready to make those networking connections count? Let's get into it!
Table of content
Importance of a Follow-up
Following up after networking events is crucial because, let's face it, those conversations can slip from memory faster than you can say "business card". Sending a follow-up email acts like a friendly nudge, reminding the other person who you are and what you talked about. It's like saying, "Hey, I remember our chat and I'm keen to keep the ball rolling."
Why Follow-Up Matters
Following up after a networking event serves several important functions:
- Reinforces Your Presence: A thoughtful follow-up shows that you were genuinely interested in the conversation you had and helps keep you at the forefront of the contact’s mind.
- Builds Professional Relationships: It’s not just about making a first impression but also about nurturing that relationship over time. A well-crafted follow-up can transform a fleeting interaction into a meaningful connection.
- Opens Doors to Opportunities: By following up, you open the door to potential opportunities such as collaborations, partnerships, or even job offers that might not have been possible without that additional outreach.
When it comes to timing, think of it like striking while the iron's hot.
Within 24-48 hours is the sweet spot.
It shows you're on the ball and eager to keep the momentum going. Plus, it ensures your interaction is still fresh in their mind, making it more likely they'll respond positively.
Personalization is where the magic happens. Cookie-cutter emails just don't cut it.
Referencing something specific from your conversation—whether it's a shared interest, a joke you both laughed at, or a topic you delved into—shows you were paying attention and genuinely interested. It's about making that connection feel real and meaningful.
Be Prompt: Send your follow-up email within 24-48 hours to keep the conversation fresh in their mind.
Be Personal: Reference something specific from your chat—like a topic, joke, or shared interest—to show you were engaged and interested.
Be Concise: Keep it short and sweet. Express gratitude, highlight a key point, and suggest what's next.
Be Professional: Stay polite and respectful. It's crucial to maintain a professional tone throughout your email.
Be Clear About Next Steps: Make it easy for them. Whether it's a meeting, call, or LinkedIn connection, clearly propose what you'd like to do next.
Alright, buckle up!
We're going to hook you up with some examples you can use for your follow-up emails.
These templates will make reaching out after networking events a breeze, so you can focus on building those connections without the stress of what to say.
Using Email Templates Effectively
Use the provided templates as a starting point, but always customize them to fit the specific context of your conversation and your personal style. Templates are a great resource, but personalization is what makes your follow-up stand out.
Here’s a template you can use as a guide for your follow-up email:
Template 1: General Follow-Up
Subject: Great Meeting You at [Event Name]!
Body: Hi [Recipient’s Name],
It was great meeting you at [Event Name] on [Day]. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic]. Your insights were quite enlightening, and I think there’s a lot we could explore together.
I’d love to continue our conversation and discuss how we might collaborate. How about grabbing a coffee next week? Let me know what works for you.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Template 2: Follow-Up for Potential Collaboration
Subject: Excited About Our Potential Collaboration
Body: Hi [Recipient’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. It was wonderful speaking with you at [Event Name] on [Day]. Our discussion about [specific topic] was truly inspiring, and I believe there’s significant potential for collaboration between our companies.
I’d love to explore this further and see how we can make it happen. Would you be available for a meeting next week? Please let me know a convenient time for you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Template 3: Follow-Up with a Mentor or Industry Leader
Subject: Inspired by Our Conversation at [Event Name]
Body: Hi [Recipient’s Name],
I wanted to reach out and thank you for the insightful conversation we had at [Event Name] on [Day]. Your advice on [specific topic] was invaluable, and I’ve already started thinking about how to implement some of your suggestions.
I’d love to continue our conversation and gain more of your perspective. Would you be open to a follow-up meeting or call? Please let me know what works best for you.
Thank you once again for your time and guidance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Template 4: Follow-Up for Job Opportunities
Subject: Exploring Opportunities at [Company Name]
Body: Hi [Recipient’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. It was great meeting you at [Event Name] on [Day]. I was particularly excited about our discussion regarding opportunities at [Company Name].
I’m very interested in exploring potential roles within your team. I’ve attached my resume and LinkedIn profile for your reference. I’d love to discuss this further and see how my skills and experiences align with your needs.
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Waiting Too Long to Follow Up
If you wait too long to send your follow-up email, the person may forget who you are or lose interest. Aim to send your email within 24-48 hours of the event.
2. Sending Generic, Impersonal Messages
Generic emails come off as insincere. Always personalize your message by referencing something specific from your conversation.
3. Being Too Aggressive or Pushy
While it's important to suggest a next step, being too aggressive can turn people off. Be polite and respectful in your approach.
4. Overloading the Email with Too Much Information
Keep your follow-up email concise. Too much information can overwhelm the recipient and reduce the likelihood of a positive response.
5. Not attaching your digital business card
Including your digital business card in your email not only helps recipients recognize you but also allows them to find out more about you and connect professionally.
Check out One Good Card! You can easily add a QR code to your email signature that takes people to your digital business card.
One Good Card offers a streamlined solution for effective follow-ups. By attaching a QR code to your email signature that links directly to your digital business card, you make it effortless for recipients to access your contact information and learn more about your professional background. This immediate access enhances the impact of your follow-up emails, ensuring that recipients can easily recall your conversation and stay connected.
Benefits of using One Good Card for follow-ups:
Efficiency: Instead of manually typing out contact details, recipients can quickly scan the QR code in your email signature to save your information digitally.
Professionalism: Presenting a digital business card demonstrates that you embrace modern networking practices, showcasing your readiness to engage professionally and efficiently.
Personalization: Your digital business card can include links to your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or other relevant resources, allowing recipients to delve deeper into your professional credentials and interests.
Trackability: Some digital business card platforms, like One Good Card, offer analytics that show when and how recipients interact with your card, providing insights that can inform your follow-up strategy.
Use the email templates as a starting point and remember to be polite, respectful, and clear about what you’re hoping to achieve.
Following up isn’t just about saying “hi” again—it’s about building a connection and opening up new opportunities for you both.
So, after the next networking event, don’t forget to send that follow-up email and make it even better with One Good Card!
Happy networking!
