Building your professional network in 3 simple steps: Follow up with your connection

As described in the last two blog posts, CMA recently worked with James A. Canada, the Managing Partner, President and CEO of Alliance Technologies, LLC. James offered some excellent tips on how you can build your professional network in 3 simple steps. This is the third and final blog in a series of three. If you missed step 1 (Prepare for your meeting) and step 2 (Meet your connection), go back and read those blog posts first.

By now, you should have already met with your network connection. However, networking does not end after the meeting ends. Following up is crucial in maintaining your networks.

If you’ve promised to connect this individual with others in your network, now is the time to do so. Ideally, you want to do this the day of the meeting. The best approach for this is to send one email or LinkedIn message addressing both parties you would like to introduce. In that email, describe how the two parties could be mutually beneficial to one another.

In an ideal scenario, the connection should also provide you with names of individuals that may be beneficial to you. However, some people make promises and never follow through. They may have forgotten or simply got too busy to do so. This is the perfect time to follow up and remind them. However, do so tactfully.

When you do receive the referral, approach them courteously. You don’t want to appear as if you’re trying to sell something. Rather, approach them as if you’re trying to help them and/or grow their business. This can increase your chances of them wanting to meet with you.

This is the final blog of the series on networking. Hopefully, these tips have been beneficial to you. Use them to start networking today!