Images
Ed
note:
This
is
the
second
in
a
series.
Read
the first
installment
here.
Just
as
a
skilled
chef
understands
that
each
dish
requires
a
unique
blend
of
spices,
effective
networking
follow-ups
demand
a
personalized
touch.
A
generic,
cookie-cutter
email
can
leave
your
connections
feeling
underwhelmed,
much
like
a
bland
dish.
Instead,
aim
to
add
the
right
flavors
that
resonate
with
each
individual,
making
them
feel
valued
and
remembered.
Ingredients
for
a
Flavorful
Personalization
Recall
Shared
Moments:
Just
like
recalling
the
aroma
of
a
fine
wine,
mention
a
specific
moment
or
conversation
you
shared.
It
could
be
a
joke
you
both
laughed
at,
a
topic
you
discussed,
or
a
mutual
interest
you
discovered.
For
instance,
“I
really
enjoyed
our
conversation
about
sustainable
business
practices
—
it’s
rare
to
meet
someone
else
who’s
as
passionate
about
green
initiatives
as
I
am.”
Tailor
Your
Message:
Customize
your
communication
based
on
their
interests
and
needs.
If
they
mentioned
a
particular
challenge
they
face,
offer
a
resource
or
a
piece
of
advice
that
addresses
it.
Think
of
it
like
seasoning
a
dish
to
suit
a
guest’s
palate.
Stir
in
Some
Compliments:
A
genuine
compliment
is
like
a
sprinkle
of
fresh
herbs
—
it
can
brighten
the
entire
dish.
If
you
admired
their
work
or
presentation,
let
them
know.
For
example,
“Your
insights
on
digital
marketing
strategies
were
enlightening
and
gave
me
a
lot
to
think
about.”
Add
a
Dash
of
Your
Personality:
Don’t
be
afraid
to
let
your
character
shine
through.
Networking
is
not
just
professional;
it’s
personal
too.
Whether
it’s
a
bit
of
humor
or
a
personal
anecdote,
adding
your
unique
flavor
will
make
your
message
more
relatable
and
memorable.
Propose
a
Next
Step:
Suggest
a
concrete
next
action,
like
a
phone
call,
coffee
meeting,
or
attending
a
mutual
event.
It’s
like
presenting
the
next
course
in
a
meal,
providing
a
clear
path
forward.
By
ensuring
your
follow-up
is
well-seasoned
with
personal
touches
and
thoughtful
references,
you
create
a
rich,
satisfying
experience
for
your
new
connections.
Personalization
is
the
key
ingredient
that
transforms
a
bland
follow-up
into
a
memorable
one,
keeping
your
networking
relationships
warm
and
ready
for
future
opportunities.
Avoiding
a
Half-Baked
Approach:
Personalization
✔️
Recall
specific
moments
or
topics
from
your
interaction.
✔️
Tailor
your
communication
to
their
interests
and
needs.
✔️
Include
personal
touches
and
authentic
compliments.
Sejal
Patel
is
a
Rainmaking
Consultant
and
the Founder
of
Sage
Ivy,
a
New
York-based
consultancy
dedicated
to
helping
attorneys
turn
relationships
into
clients.
With
over
20
years
of
experience,
Sejal
strategically
analyzes
attorneys’
networks
to
uncover
revenue
and
relationship
opportunities,
crafting
individualized
approaches
that
align
with
their
unique
strengths
and
styles.
Learn
more
at www.sageivyconsulting.com.