Follow up is key to starting any successful networking relationship. But the timing and strategy behind your follow-through are also essential. Don’t be careless or negligent in your approach. You want to maintain your professionalism and continue to make a good impression. In your follow-up, consider including a direct or meaningful call to action. This not only guarantees a response from the recipient, but can also gauge their interest and commitment to doing business in the future.

First of all, communicate with your counterpart in a timely manner. Use this opportunity to show that you are serious and focused. Connecting with the other person can also make you memorable and stay on their radar. Therefore, they are less likely to forget you or what you do. The faster you respond, the less likely you are to forget the other person as well.

Second, be professional in your approach. Do not engage in any aggressive sales or marketing. Just reintroduce yourself and bring up something that was discussed in the initial conversation or interaction. Highlight any shared interests, overlapping networks, and mention why you want to stay in touch.

Last but not least, state your call to action. This is a one-sentence piece that elaborates on the need to get to know each other and build relationships. Maybe it could be at another networking event, a one-on-one session, a meet-up, a coffee, or a meal. Be sure to indicate how you would like to meet and give a reasonable time frame. Be assertive and direct without being pushy and pushy. Definitely give your counterpart time to respond and options for flexibility.

Hopefully, these tips can put you in a positive direction toward building quality relationships. The key points are to be professional and strategic in your approach.