It’s almost Tuesday, and I’m ready to hit the NYEBN networking event at La Pomme. I had a blast at the last event, and met a lot of interesting people–several of whom will be good business connections.
Sure, as a solo entrepreneur I know how important it is to network–I bet you do, too–but I’ll be honest with you. About 90% of the business card I collect wind up in a shoebox on my bookshelf where, frankly, they’re not doing anyone any good. It’s terrible, really, because five good follow-ups are worth more than a hundred moldering business cards. But following up always seems kind of…lame. It has the desperate smell junior high school… “Great meeting you. Please be my friend/send me lots of business.”
But five of the business-owners who followed-up with me after January’s event managed it in such graceful, interesting, and diverse ways that I just might have to steal their ideas. Without further ado, here are five follow-ups that are guaranteed to help you win friends and influence people.
With a job offer
I woke up Wednesday to a request for a meeting from Eugene Moore of Moore Technology Consulting. It seems he’s in the process of revamping his website, and may need a little Easy Writing to get it up-and-running. Kismet? Sure, you’re simply not going to need the services of every person you encounter at an event–and he and I may or may not wind up doing business together–but if you’ve had a project in mind for a while, and you run across that type of service provider at an event, ask them for a bid. It’s a great way to follow-up, and they just might be the connection you need.
With a demo
I had no idea what coaching actually was until I encountered Geri Mazur of Mazur Consulting Group. But since she offered me a free demo, I jumped at the chance (isn’t free a great word?). We spent a fruitful half-an-hour on the phone together while she plied her craft, and I now really get not only coaching, but the unique attributes and attitudes that Geri herself brings to the field. And as a follow-up strategy? Priceless.
With your best marketing tool
I contacted Boris Chernyy of Media Gravity because we’re in related fields–a no-brainer, right? But his response to my generic “Let’s LinkIn” email contained several interesting and well-prepared case studies that showcased his business and its creative approach to problem-solving.
With an MBA
A mutually beneficial arrangement can open a lot of doors. Andrew Ran Wong was gracious enough to offer me the chance to post on his blog, paving the way for both of us to build our businesses at the same time.
With the best advice
Just a few days after the NYEBN Meetup, I actually attended another networking event–and who were the first people I saw as I walked in the door? It was Sean McVey and Eric Ast, the social media guys from Rising Lynx. Not only was I impressed by their networking tenacity, but they had already taped out the best drink specials–and they gave me the heads-up. Talk about value-add. (Editor’s note: Sean McVey and Eric Ast are both NYEBN members.)
So I guess the takeaway here is…get creative with your follow-up. It will help you stay top-of-mind, and keep you connected between events. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday. And to following up with you on Wednesday.
