one-to-one networks

The networking event is over, and like many business professionals, you have plenty of business cards and great leads from your networking feature. Is your work done? What is the next step in building relationships? What can you do to get the most out of your networking efforts? How can you follow up and make a meaningful and productive impact? Listed below are some key tips any entrepreneur or business professional can use to develop great relationships and properly connect with their business counterparts for networking success.

Contact point

After you receive your colleagues’ business cards and contact information, follow up within three days. Three days is the exact time needed to stay fresh in the mind of your contact. It also allows you some time to properly prepare an email, phone call or letter/correspondence to your business counterpart. If you decide to contact your business counterpart within three days of your meeting, you risk losing that potential contact. Your business colleague is less likely to remember you or the conversation or connection you shared. They may also have misplaced or lost your contact information, if they haven’t contacted you yet. And they may be busy with work, family, career or school and won’t have enough time to communicate with you. Don’t let too much time pass when you follow up after meeting with your contacts.

Organize a reunion

Once you’ve contacted your business counterpart, be sure to schedule a follow-up meeting. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of your early relationship and find effective ways of doing business. The meeting must be within two weeks of the meeting with your business counterpart. Make sure that if you are starting the meeting, it is mutually beneficial. You can suggest meeting your counterpart at his or her office if it is convenient. Or, you can meet at a restaurant for breakfast or lunch. You can also choose a coffee shop, bookstore, or cafe that is suitable for both of you. Since you are starting the meeting, it is polite to cover the tab. If your counterparty insists on paying their share, that’s perfectly fine.

Prepare for the meeting

Now that you’ve arranged a meeting or one-on-one with your business counterpart, it’s imperative that you prepare for the meeting or event. You should ask your counterparty to submit information about them and your company so that you can become familiar with your business, company, services, or brand. Another good idea is to visit their website and learn about their company culture, organizational management, history/background, and clientele/customers. This can give you a great perspective on how you can work together or help your business counterpart. Also, identify key problems or solutions that could benefit your colleague. Brainstorm and create questions about how you can grow or help them in their business.

One day before the meeting

Once you’ve set up a meeting, done your research, and are prepared for the meeting or event, be sure to confirm the meeting a day in advance. If there are any changes to the time or location, please let your counterpart know ahead of time as a form of respect. Also encourage your counterpart to bring brochures, pamphlets, or other material about your business, organization, or services. Following up the day before and showing initiative will increase your credibility and professionalism with your business counterpart.