One of the cornerstones of good networking protocol is follow-up.  It’s amazing how many people fail to do this simple, yet important task.  One method of ensuring solid follow-up is to add it to your networking SOP (Standard Operating Procedure).  Following up quickly and professionally will distinguish you from the pack in the eyes of your networking colleagues.

Here are some of the key aspects to good follow-up:

Gratitude.  Be sure to thank your networking friend for her time, ideas and recommendations.

Speed.  The longer you wait to follow-up, the less likely you are to do it.  At the end of each day, send out a quick note covering the significant content of the meeting.

Key thoughts.  Include any key thoughts you had for the person you met with.  Ideas for their business, networking events they might try, marketing tactics that could work for them.

Introductions.  If you mentioned someone you would like to  introduce to your meeting partner, send that intro right away while it is fresh on your mind.

Business data.  Send further information as appropriate about your website, blog, social media site or company.  This allows your new associate to have all your contact information readily available as they add you to their contacts program.

How would you grade yourself on networking follow-up?  How strong is this networking competence compared to other parts of your business?  Adding a few minutes to your day to provide quick, quality follow-up will help ensure that you are a networking leader.