Ed
note: This
is
the
fourth
in
a
series.
Read
the previous
installment
here.
Images
Picture
yourself
as
a
chef
in
the
grand
kitchen
of
networking.
The
conference
has
ended,
but
the
ingredients
you’ve
gathered
—the
contacts,
the
conversations
–
are
fresh
and
ready
to
be
transformed
into
something
delectable.
Like
a
culinary
artist,
your
task
is
to
take
these
raw
interactions
and
craft
them
into
memorable,
long-lasting
relationships.
In
many
ways,
post-conference
follow-ups
are
like
seasoning
a
dish;
you
want
to
add
just
enough
to
enhance
the
flavor
without
overwhelming
it.
Here
are
some
tips
to
help
you
maintain
this
balance:
Measured
Frequency:
Like
adding
salt
to
a
dish,
the
frequency
of
your
follow-ups
should
be
measured.
A
good
practice
is
to
follow
up
initially
within
a
week
of
the
conference,
then
gradually
space
out
your
communications.
For
example,
start
with,
“Hi
[Name],
it
was
great
connecting
at
the
conference.
I
wanted
to
share
a
quick
insight
on
[topic]
that
we
discussed.”
Blend
of
Communication
Styles:
Mix
up
your
follow-up
methods.
If
you
initially
sent
an
email,
consider
a
LinkedIn
message
or
a
brief
comment
on
one
of
their
posts
for
your
next
interaction.
You
could
write,
“I
really
enjoyed
your
latest
post
on
[topic].
It
aligns
perfectly
with
what
we
discussed.”
Taste
Testing
Responses:
Pay
attention
to
how
they
respond
to
your
follow-ups.
If
they
engage
actively,
maintain
your
approach.
If
responses
are
delayed
or
short,
consider
reducing
the
frequency.
Try
something
like,
“I
realize
you
might
be
swamped
at
the
moment,
so
I’ll
touch
base
in
a
few
weeks.
Looking
forward
to
our
next
conversation!”
Adding
Unique
Ingredients:
Each
follow-up
should
introduce
something
new
and
valuable
–
this
could
be
an
insightful
article,
a
connection
suggestion,
or
an
interesting
idea.
For
instance,
“I
came
across
this
article
that
offers
a
unique
perspective
on
[topic].
Thought
you
might
find
it
interesting
based
on
our
conversation.”
Respecting
Time
Constraints:
Acknowledge
their
busy
schedule.
A
brief
and
focused
message
often
works
best.
You
could
say,
“I
understand
you’re
quite
busy,
so
I’ll
keep
this
brief.
Just
wanted
to
quickly
update
you
on
[topic
or
idea].”
Knowing
When
to
Let
the
Dish
Simmer:
If
your
contact
seems
unresponsive
after
multiple
attempts,
it’s
respectful
to
give
them
space.
A
polite
message
such
as,
“I’ll
not
take
up
more
of
your
time
for
now,
but
I’m
here
if
you
need
any
info
or
want
to
reconnect
in
the
future,”
shows
understanding
and
respect
for
their
time.
Remember,
the
art
of
post-conference
follow-ups
lies
in
consistent,
thoughtful
communication
that
respects
the
individual’s
time
and
interest,
much
like
carefully
seasoning
a
gourmet
dish.
Balancing
the
Flavors:
Consistent,
Not
Overpowering
Contact
✔️
Follow
up
initially
within
a
week,
then
adjust
frequency
based
on
response.
✔️
Use
a
mix
of
communication
methods
(email,
LinkedIn,
phone
calls).
✔️
Respect
their
time
and
avoid
overwhelming
them
with
too
frequent
contact.
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.