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Networking at an event you speak at and attend can be productive on many levels.
After seeing you speak, many audience members will be keen to connect with you, starstruck with your expertise, charisma, and speaking skills.
But sometimes, you can leave an event with your pockets stuffed with business cards, and still not end up with any new speaking opportunities.
It might have something to do with your follow-up techniques.
Being able to turn business cards and casual conversations at networking events into business leads and paid speaking gigs can have a major impact on your speaking business’s bottom line.
Recently, we came across an article by Forbes which explore some expert tips on how to bridge contacts between offline and online activities.
1. Make notes immediately.
Immediately write on the back of a person’s business card any relevant notes about the conversation. This will help you immensely after the event in recording your contacts while avoiding confusion and errors.
2. Categorize and take action accordingly.
A) Valuable leads
Prospective connections who would be considered an ideal client. People who have demonstrated a strong level of interest in working with you.
B) Qualified leads
These prospects may or may not be seriously interested, and even if they are, you're not certain of their value to you.
C) Connections
There are a wide range of connections you can make: individuals you can build a relationship with, with whom you might work together in the future, ones you might refer businesses to, or people you'd simply like to be friends with.
Follow up with "valuable leads" as soon as possible to schedule a time to meet.
3. Check them out on social media, specifically Twitter
Return from events with new followers instead of cards. Follow up with new followers you got from the event by sending a quick DM via Twitter.
Browse through their most recent tweets and retweet or like anything that relates to your topic or industry.
Connect with them, understand their brands, and create a more immediate connection.
4. Add them to a CRM or connect on LinkedIn.
Input all the contacts into your CRM and tag appropriately so you can send tailored communications to them.
Send connection requests to all the new contacts on LinkedIn.
When sending a connection request, type a personalized message reminding them of how you met.
5. Send a gratitude email.;
Email a reintroduction to the contact thanking them for their time and wishing them safe travel back from the event.
When the contact expresses interest or wants to know more about your services, provide them with more information as requested, and let them know that they are free to contact you directly.
See the full article on Forbes here “Six Tips For Maximizing Your Connections After A Networking Event”.
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