A Simple Note Goes a Long Way

After any meeting, it is important to connect with your new contacts and follow-up, as you would with your friends or acquaintances to continually nurture the relationship. Because timing is of the essence, be sure to follow-up quickly, efficiently, and genuinely. It is the key to growing your network and business by building your contacts, connections, and trusted advisors. The following are the four “Must-Dos” after a meeting:

1. Generate a greeting. Within twenty-four hours after a meeting, send a note, e-mail, or place a call to let your new contacts know how much you appreciated getting to know them. Doing this distinguishes you and makes you stand out. To really stand out, send what I call your 49 cent investment which is the current price of a stamp. Write a hand written note and send with a real stamp.
2. Present your promise. When you promised to send materials, call to set up a meeting, or give a referral, keep your word. Following up with the materials you promised in a timely manner will establish you as a trustworthy person. As I’ve said before: Under-promise and over-deliver.
3. Call or email. Within two weeks after your initial meeting suggesting a get-together. Connect with your new contact and set up lunch or a more formal meeting. Always send a courtesy e-mail or call to confirm the day before. Your sincerity and professionalism will shine through.
4. Give the gift of thanks. When a contact provides you with a referral or offers to pass your information along, be sure to say thank you and keep him or her in the loop by letting them know the developments and results that occur. These simple gestures of appreciation go a long way when building your network.

Thanking contacts for their time and their attention is an important way to show them your respect. Offering them something tangible like a referral, information, or a simple meal shows you care. Remember, people do business with those whom they know, trust, respect, and like.