In business networking there are several ways to talk about follow up. One is the kind of follow up you have with a client or customer once they become a referral or business lead. That is what the “Bonus Articles” listed below talk about. The other is how you follow up with people in your network who give you referrals.
In a recent blog post, “NEVER Give Referrals to Crazy People in Your Network,” I said: “It is a wise networker who reports back to the person who gave you a referral. I want that. I need a brief report. Give me a call or send me an e-mail to at least let me know that you have contacted them and whether or not the referral worked. If you don’t follow-up on a referred business lead within 24 hours you probably didn’t deserve to get the lead in the first place.”
If you want the relationship you have with others in your network to deepen and move to a another level, always follow up with the person who gave you a referral. People give referrals because they like you and trust you. People trust you more when you involve them in the whole referral process, whether you have given or received a referral. Communicate! Always make sure you follow up and give feedback, whether the referral is successful or not.
My friend, Andy Lopata, tells you how and why! Watch, “The importance of following up when you have received, or given referrals.”
Bonus Articles: Your Networking Fortune is in Your Follow-Up!
5 Ways to Use Follow Up to Achieve Results
Video: Copyright © 2012 – Andy Lopata.
Copyright © 2012 – Larry James. Larry James is a Professional Speaker, Author and Coach. He presents networking seminars nationally and “Networking” coaching by telephone or one-on-one. His latest book is, Ten Commitments of Networking: Creative Ways to Maximize Your Personal Connections! Something NEW about Networking is posted on this Networking BLOG every 4th day! Visit Larry’s Networking Website at: “Networking HQ!”
Subscribe to Larry’s FREE monthly “LoveNotes for Lovers” eZINE. Contact: Larry James, P.O. Box 12695, Scottsdale, AZ 85267-2695. – CelebrateLove.com
NOTE: All articles and networking tips listed in this BLOG – written by Larry James – are available for reprint in magazines, periodicals, newsletters, newspapers, eZINEs, on the Internet or on your own Website. Click here for details.
Add Larry James as a “friend” to your Facebook page: http://www.Facebook.com/larry.james
Follow Larry’s “once daily” Relationship Tweet at: http://www.Twitter.com/larryjames
Follow Larry’s “Relationship BLOG” at: http://CelebrateLove.wordpress.com/
Follow Larry’s “Wedding BLOG” at: http://CelebrateIntimateWeddings.wordpress.com
Follow Larry’s “Authors & Speakers” BLOG at: http://www.AuthorsandSpeakerNetwork.wordpress.com/
It takes a concentrated effort to go out of your way – in other words, “plan to follow-up” – to stay connected to the key players in your network. Effective follow-up is a key piece of the networking puzzle!
The genius of follow-up is that it is where great relationships begin. Build the relationship first and business leads, sales and more will follow.
4. Follow-up. Set the tone for the follow-up when you first meet them (provided they are someone whom you would like to get to know better). Follow up starts when the conversation begins. Ask if they would be interested in getting together to talk more about how you can help each other. The faster the follow-up the quicker you move forward with the relationship. Keep the momentum going. Exchange business cards and agree to call to arrange a time to get together. Breakfast, lunch, their office, your office, it matters not where, only that you get together. At the meeting, offer an idea, a contact or some other resource that may be helpful. The most effective follow up highlights the benefits of working together.
It is easier to network with strangers in face to face situations, where proximity and small talk are to your advantage. But when you have to pick up the phone and call a stranger that you hope to do business with, well then, that takes a new level of courage.
Copyright 2010 – Kathy McAfee – Reprinted with permission. Kathy McAfee is known as America’s Marketing Motivator and is author of the book, “
It starts by asking questions. Are we offering them something compelling enough that makes them want to engage or are we simply tossing up more clutter into the world of 1000 messages screaming for attention each day? Is what we want them to do clearly understood? Are we providing them with a path (steps to take) or are we “assuming” they will understand? Are we trying to engage them or are we simply trying to push information on them? Are we being intentional and do we have a plan?
If you are trying to grow a business, build relationships or make something happen… proper Follow Up is key. Without it you are diluting your potential effectiveness and being effective is what it’s all about.
4. Make “Thank You” a Part of the Plan. This is a biggie. Don’t just use follow up to get things done or get what you want… use it to say Thank You as well. When the deal is over or the transaction is complete, follow up with a note of thanks to the person or persons who helped make it so. A little Thank You goes a long way!
