Most networking events don’t fail because you didn’t meet enough people.
They fail because you met someone interesting… and then both of you went back to life.
The gap between “Nice meeting you” and a real relationship is almost always one thing: a follow-up that is specific, lightweight, and fast.
Here’s a routine you can run in 5 minutes after any event. It works whether you’re looking for a job, clients, collaborators, or just smarter people to learn from.
The goal (keep this simple)
Your follow-up doesn’t need to be “impressive.” It needs to create one clear next step:
- a quick coffee / walk / call
- an intro
- a resource exchange
- or a second conversation with a bit more context
If you do that, you’re already ahead of 90% of people.
Step 1 (60 seconds): write down 3 specifics
Before you forget, capture these three bullets (in Notes, on your phone, wherever):
- Context: where you met (event + quick detail)
- Hook: one memorable thing they said (goal, challenge, project)
- Next step: one small thing you can offer (resource, idea, intro)
This prevents the deadliest networking follow-up: the generic message that sounds like it was sent to 30 people.
Step 2 (2 minutes): send a same-day message
Goal: make it easy for them to say yes to continuing the conversation.
Hey [Name] — great meeting you at [Event] tonight. I keep thinking about what you said about [hook].
If it’s useful, here’s [resource / link / quick idea]. If you’re open to it, I’d love to continue the convo — want to grab coffee or do a quick 20-min call next week?
Why this works: it’s specific (proves you were paying attention), it gives value, and it proposes a next step without pressure.
Step 3 (90 seconds): propose 2 options (don’t ask “when are you free?”)
People are busy. Open-ended scheduling creates friction. Give them two options instead.
Totally flexible — does Tue 4:30 or Thu 8:30am work better?
If neither works, they’ll usually suggest another time (and now you know they’re actually interested).
Step 4 (30 seconds): set a tiny follow-up reminder
If you don’t hear back, follow up once, lightly, 3–5 days later:
Quick nudge — still down to grab a coffee / do a quick call? No worries if timing is wild right now.
Then stop. One follow-up is helpful. Five follow-ups is a different vibe.
Common mistakes (that quietly kill momentum)
- Waiting a week to message (the “who is this again?” problem)
- Being vague (“we should connect sometime” is a networking graveyard)
- Making it transactional (“can you do me a favor?” on message one)
- Writing a novel (short wins; clarity wins)
How Thawe fits
Thawe exists to make it easier to meet the right people locally and actually follow through.
Because the best networking isn’t louder — it’s more intentional.
Sources
- Harvard Business Review on relationship-building behaviors: hbr.org