If your calendar is full of networking calls but your business isn’t growing, your follow-up strategy might be the problem. In fact, I’d say 90% of missed opportunities in networking don’t happen during the event — they happen after it.
That’s right. Your networking follow-up strategy may be slowly strangling your potential. But don’t worry. I’ve got your oxygen mask.
The Real Goal of Networking Is…?
Let’s back up. What’s the point of networking? (Spoiler: It’s not to collect business cards like Pokémon.)
Networking is about building real relationships — the kind that lead to referrals, partnerships, and growth. The key to that? Follow-up.
One brief conversation at a mixer does not a relationship make. You need follow-up — real follow-up. Not the “let’s stay in touch” kind that disappears into the void.
But most people never make it past “Nice meeting you.”
Let’s fix that.
Follow-Up That Builds Relationships
A good networking follow-up strategy does three things:
- Moves the connection forward
- Provides value
- Is intentional and repeatable
Let’s break those down.
1. Move the Connection Forward
Every interaction should have a next step.
After that initial call, do you book a follow-up in 30 days? Introduce them to someone? Invite them to your podcast or event? Share a resource?
You don’t always need to sell. In fact, you almost never should. The goal is momentum — keep the ball rolling.
That’s why I recommend creating a Calendly link (or similar scheduling tool) with smart intake questions. It helps you book that next step while keeping things organized.
2. Provide Value Right Away
During your first call, pay attention to what they need — then give it to them. Not a pitch. Not your offer. Actual value.
Three ways to do that?
- A relevant introduction
- A piece of advice
- A resource or opportunity
For example, if someone mentions that they are confused by finance, you could share with them Penelope Jane Smith’s Financial Freedom 101. You’re not selling. You’re helping.
This is what makes people remember you. Not your elevator pitch. Not your clever tagline. But how helpful you were when they didn’t expect it.
3. Be Consistent (And Keep It Real)
You don’t need a CRM that rivals NASA. A spreadsheet, Google Calendar, or a whiteboard is fine — as long as you use it.
The key is to follow up with people you want in your network. If the call was a dud, let it go. But if there was potential, don’t let it die in the “we should do something sometime” zone.
And please — don’t be weird. Follow up like a human being. Remember something from your conversation. Share a relevant resource. Be yourself.
Your Network Is Only as Strong as Your Follow-Up
You’re not going to build a powerful, opportunity-generating network by accident. You need a networking follow-up strategy that works — one built on action, value, and consistency.
The best part? You don’t need to invent this from scratch. I wrote the book on it — literally.
👉 If this resonates and you want a clear, fun, and actionable guide to mastering the art of networking (and follow-up), grab your copy of The Guy Who Knows a Guy’s Guide to Networking right here.
Let’s fix your follow-up — and your network.