Follow Up, Follow Up - 7 More Tips- Part 2

30 Jul

Recently, I shared 7 tips you can implement to improve your results from networking by following up. That was really just a start. I had great feedback from people who obviously needed a nudge. I decided that I should provide you with another 7, because like networking, it takes time to build relationships and you have to keep working at it. Nothing happens overnight.

7 MORE TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR RESULTS

1. FOLLOW THROUGH

If you say you are going to send details of another event, or send an article or even arrange a coffee meeting, do it. Do not say what you do not mean. It makes you disengenuous and is not likely to build trust.

2. BE OF WORTH

Reflect on the conversations you have had at an event and consider what introductions or connections you can offer that would be of value. Better still invest some time in thinking how you could work together on a project or joint venture.

3. DO NOT RELY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

As 93% of our communication is non verbal, do not rely on social media. Book a Skype or Zoom call if you are unable to meet up face to face. It will never replace real time, but is so much better than text as you can hear tone, see expression and benefit from body language. If you are unsure how to blend your online and face to face networking watch the FREE online videos I made with Karen Hollenbach, from Think Bespoke, HERE .

4. PREPARE YOUR QUESTIONS

Think about the questions you could ask before you meet up again. Keep them open and really listen to the response. So much is unsaid, yet can be vital in directing the best outcome of your conversation and meeting.

5. BE CREATIVE

You can certainly follow up via LinkedIn and other social media, but there are other ways too. Consider not only the 'phone call, email, text and direct mail. Do something remarkable will help you be memorable. why not invite your new connection to an event that you are attending that you know would be beneficial to them in reaching their audience, building new connections or gaining some knowledge?

6. TOOLS

Investigate tools that are now available to us all to ensure that the 'follow up funnel' runs smoothly and you maximise the benefit of all that hard effort and time spent connecting in the first place.

7. IT TAKES TIME

Once you follow up, remember to update your CRM and make a note of the conversation you had. Whilst this week or this month there may be no opportunity to work together, set up a reminder and reconnect in 2 months time. You want to stay connected because people have to have the need before they need you... and you them.

I hope these added tips will be useful and that you can really make progress in your business. I have helped many business owners uncover opportunities and collaborations that previously they had not even considered, so if you would be interested in booking a time to talk over your approach, please schedule a time with me HERE and we can discuss and determine your next 7 steps ..