If you’ve ever been to a networking event, you know that it’s just the first step towards building valuable professional relationships. Following up after the event is the key to solidifying those connections, and that’s where a well-crafted email can make all the difference.
But let’s face it, writing a follow-up email can be intimidating. What do you say? How do you make sure your message stands out from the dozens of other emails the person received that day? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Below you’ll find some examples of post-networking event emails that you can use and edit as needed. Whether you met someone who could be a potential client or a new partner, these templates will help you get your foot in the door and start cultivating that relationship.
So grab your laptop and get ready to craft the perfect follow-up email. With these templates as your guide, you’ll be networking like a pro in no time.
The Best Structure for a Follow-Up Email After a Networking Event
Networking events provide an excellent opportunity to make new contacts, but they are only effective if you take action afterward. One of the first things you should do after attending a networking event is to send a follow-up email. This is where you can nurture your newly formed relationships and continue building upon the initial connection. But what is the best structure for a follow-up email? Here are some tips:
1. Start with a greeting
Make sure you greet your contact appropriately by using their name and title. This shows that you value their time and want to create a personal connection. A simple “Hello [name], It was great to meet you at [event]” can work wonders.
2. Remind them of the event
It’s helpful to jog their memory about where you met. This makes it easier to connect the dots and remember the context of your conversation. Depending on how many people they met at the event, they may not remember you right away. So, a friendly reminder is always a good idea, such as “I met you at the [Name of Event] on Monday.”
3. Mention something specific about your conversation
The key to building a lasting relationship is making it personal. This means finding a way to connect with your new contact on a deeper level. Mention something specific about your conversation to show that you were paying attention and that you were genuinely interested in what they had to say. You could say, “I really enjoyed learning about your work in [industry] and how you got started.”
4. Offer something of value
If you want to stand out, it’s critical to offer something of value in your follow-up email. This could be a helpful article, an introduction to someone in your network, or a simple thank you note. The point is to find a way to provide value to your contact so that you stay top of mind. You could say something like, “I thought you might be interested in this article on [topic].”
5. Close with a call-to-action
Lastly, make sure you end your email with a clear call-to-action. This could be a request for a follow-up meeting or a simple request to keep in touch. Whatever it is, be clear about your expectations and make it easy for your contact to take action. You could say something like, “I’d love to continue the conversation and set up a time to grab coffee next week. Let me know if that works for you.”
Overall, there is no one right way to structure a follow-up email after a networking event. But by following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of creating a lasting connection and building a meaningful relationship with your new contacts.
7 Sample Emails After Networking Event
Thank You for Connecting at the Networking Event
Dear [Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at the [Event Name] yesterday. It was great to connect and learn more about your work in the [Industry/Field]. I appreciate the advice you gave me about [specific topic] and the insights you shared about your own experiences in the industry.
I would love to keep in touch and discuss potential opportunities for collaboration or partnerships in the future. If there is anything specific I can assist you with, please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to staying in touch and following up with you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Job Referral Request After Networking Event
Dear [Name],
It was great to meet you at the [Event Name] yesterday and learn more about your experiences working in the [Industry/Field]. I appreciate your valuable insights and the tips you shared about [specific topic].
I wanted to reach out to you because I am currently in a job search and was wondering if you knew of any opportunities that might be a good fit for my skills and experience. If you could provide any advice or referrals, I would greatly appreciate it. I have attached my resume for your reference and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Follow-Up to Discuss Potential Partnership
Dear [Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at the [Event Name] yesterday. Our conversation about [specific topic] was very interesting and I believe there may be potential for us to collaborate in the future.
I would love to schedule a follow-up call or meeting to explore potential partnership opportunities and discuss how our companies might work together. Please let me know if that is something you would be interested in pursuing and if there is a specific time that works best for your schedule.
Thank you once again for your time and insights. I look forward to the opportunity to connect again soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Thank You and Request for Coffee Meeting
Dear [Name],
It was excellent to meet you at the [Event Name] yesterday and learn more about the work you do in the [Industry/Field]. I greatly appreciated the insights you shared about [specific topic] and the advice you gave me about [specific topic].
I would like to follow up with you and explore the possibility of setting up a coffee meeting to discuss potential collaborations or opportunities. If that is something you are interested in, please let me know your availability and we can coordinate a time that works for both of us.
Thank you again for your time and wisdom. I look forward to connecting again soon.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Informational Interview
Dear [Name],
It was great to meet you at the [Event Name] yesterday and learn more about your work in the [Industry/Field]. I am very interested in pursuing a similar career path and would love to learn more about your experiences and insights.
Would you be willing to participate in an informational interview with me where I could ask you about your career trajectory, industry insights, and advice for someone starting out in the field? I understand how busy your schedule can be, so I would be more than happy to work around your availability and schedule the interview at a time that works for you.
Thank you for considering my request, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Follow-Up to Request for Introduction
Dear [Name],
Thank you for speaking with me at the [Event Name] yesterday. I wanted to follow up on our conversation about [specific topic] and the opportunity to potentially be introduced to [Contact Name].
If it is not too much trouble, I would greatly appreciate an introduction to [Contact Name] when you have a moment. I believe there may be potential for us to collaborate or work together, and I would love to explore that opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Thank You and Invitation for Future Networking Event
Dear [Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me at the [Event Name] yesterday. It was a pleasure learning more about your work and experiences in the [Industry/Field].
I wanted to reach out and invite you to a future networking event that I will be attending. It would be great to see you there and perhaps continue our discussion about [specific topic]. If that is something you are interested in, please let me know and I will send you the details about the event as they become available.
Thank you once again for your time and insights. I look forward to staying in touch and connecting with you again soon.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing the Perfect Follow-Up Email After a Networking Event
After attending a networking event, it is crucial to follow up with the people you met. A well-written follow-up email can help you solidify the relationship, keep the conversation going, and potentially lead to future business opportunities. Here are some tips on how to write the perfect follow-up email:
1. Personalize your message
Begin your email by mentioning the specific event you attended and the person you met. This will show that you paid attention and are genuinely interested in continuing the conversation. Customize your message based on the conversation you had during the event, mentioning any topics that you discussed and expressing your enthusiasm about further discussion.
2. Follow up on action items
If you promised to follow up on something during the event, make sure to include it in your email. This could be a project you discussed, an introduction you promised, or a piece of information you said you would look up. Including these action items in your email shows that you are reliable and focused on making your interactions meaningful.
3. Provide Value
Offer something of value in your follow-up email. This could be a resource or article related to the topic that you discussed, a professional contact who might be useful to the person you met, or a bit of advice or insight related to their work. Providing value shows that you are interested in their success and that you are willing to put effort into the relationship.
4. Keep it concise
A quality follow-up email should be concise and to the point. People are busy and don’t have time to read a long message. Keep your email brief and focused, stating your purpose clearly and thanking them for their time.
5. Be proactive
Take the initiative to ask for their feedback or input. This can be a great way to keep the conversation going and provide a natural opening to ask to meet up again. Additionally, offer the opportunity for them to ask any questions or for anything else they may require. This shows that you’re not just asking for help or business, but that you value their opinions and enjoy learning from them.
By following these tips, you can write a follow-up email that will strengthen the relationship and open doors for future networking opportunities. Remember, networking should not be a one-time event; instead, it should be an ongoing and meaningful dialogue that creates lasting connections and elevates you and your business.
FAQs about Sample Email After Networking Event
What should be the subject line of my email?
The subject line should be brief and specific. Include the event name and date, and a reference to your conversation or connection. For example, “Follow up from XYZ Networking event on June 1st”
How soon should I send the follow-up email?
As soon as possible, preferably within 24-48 hours of the event. This shows that you are prompt and interested in building a relationship with the contact.
Should I reference our conversation in the email?
Yes, it’s a good idea to reference something specific that you talked about, such as a mutual interest, common goal, or shared experience. This shows that you were paying attention and genuinely interested in the conversation.
What should I include in the body of the email?
Express gratitude for the conversation and opportunity to connect, remind them of who you are and where you met, reference something specific from the conversation, and suggest a follow-up action such as a meeting or call.
Should I attach my resume or business card?
It depends on the context and purpose of your email. If you are seeking a job or business opportunity, it might be appropriate to attach your resume or business card. However, if you are simply following up on a casual conversation, it might be unnecessary or even pushy to include them.
How long should the email be?
Keep it brief and to the point – one or two paragraphs is usually sufficient. Avoid rambling or over-explaining, as this can come across as insincere or desperate.
What tone should I use in the email?
Use a professional yet friendly tone, and match the tone to the relationship you established at the event. If the conversation was informal and relaxed, your email can have a similar tone, but if the conversation was more formal and business-like, adjust your email accordingly.
Is it okay to follow up more than once?
It depends on the context and purpose of your email, as well as the response (or lack thereof) from the contact. Generally, it’s acceptable to follow up once or twice if you haven’t received a response, but be mindful of being too pushy or aggressive.
What if I forgot their name or contact information?
Do some research to try and find their contact information, such as searching for their name or company on LinkedIn or Google. If you still can’t find it, it might be best to wait for another opportunity to reconnect with them in person.
How can I personalize the email for each contact?
Make an effort to remember each person you spoke to and make notes or mental cues about their interests, needs, or challenges. Use this information to tailor your email to each person, such as referencing a specific point from your conversation or offering a personalized suggestion or resource.
Final Thoughts
Networking is all about building relationships and following up in a timely manner. Sending a sample email after a networking event is a simple yet effective way to strengthen the connection you made with someone. Remember to personalize your message, express gratitude, and propose a clear call-to-action. We hope these tips and templates have been helpful to you. Thanks for reading, and make sure to check back for more helpful articles in the future!