Networking events provide a great opportunity to make new connections and strengthen existing relationships. However, following up after the event is just as important as the conversations you have during it. Sending a LinkedIn message to new connections after meeting them at an event is a simple but powerful way to solidify those relationships.
But knowing what to write in those messages can be tricky. You want to reference your conversation in a natural way and move the relationship forward. Here are some tips on how to craft an effective LinkedIn message after networking with someone at an event.
Thank Them for Connecting
The first thing you should do is thank them for taking the time to connect with you at the event. Here are some examples of how to thank them and reference your in-person meeting:
- “It was great to meet you at [name of event] last night. Thanks for taking the time to connect!”
- “I really enjoyed our conversation at the [name of event] networking event yesterday. Thank you for sharing your insights on [topic you discussed].”
- “Thanks for connecting with me at [name of event] last week! It was nice to put a face to your name after seeing you around on LinkedIn.”
Thanking them right off the bat for having a conversation is a nice way to start the message and remind them of where you met. It creates a friendly, appreciative tone from the beginning.
Reference Something Specific You Discussed
Next, try referencing something specific that you discussed during your conversation. This shows you were genuinely interested in what they had to say and makes the message more personal. For example:
- “I really enjoyed hearing about your experiences working at [company name] and the projects you worked on in [department name].”
- “It was fascinating talking to you about the trends you’re seeing in [industry name] and your outlook on where things are headed.”
- “I appreciate you sharing the advice on breaking into [industry name]. Your insights around [specific points from conversation] were really helpful.”
Pick out one or two memorable things you bonded over or that gave you value. This grounds the conversation for them and shows authentic interest in their experiences.
Suggest Following Up
The goal of networking is to build ongoing, mutually beneficial relationships. After referencing your previous conversation, propose following up in some way. Here are a few ways to suggest continuing the relationship:
- “Let me know if you would ever like to get coffee or chat on the phone. I would enjoy learning more about your work at [company name].”
- “If you’re open to it, I would love to connect further about [topic discussed]. Perhaps we could continue the conversation over the phone sometime.”
- “It would be great to stay in touch going forward. Once you get settled in your new role at [company name], let’s find some time to connect again.”
This shows you don’t just want to leave the conversation where it ended at the event. Rather, you’re interested in an ongoing professional relationship.
Offer to Help
Another great follow-up is to offer your help to them in some way. If relevant based on your conversation, you could say:
- “I’m happy to share connections I have at [company name] if it would be helpful in your transition to the new role there.”
- “I would be glad to make an introduction to [relevant person] if you think that would be beneficial in your work on [project name].”
- “Please feel free to reach out if you would like me to review your resume for the [role name] position we discussed.”
Look for small ways you may be able to lend a hand. People always appreciate genuine offers of support and assistance. Just make sure whatever you offer is within reason based on the nature of your relationship.
Mention Next Steps for Yourself
It’s also helpful to mention any next steps on your end related to something you discussed. For example:
- “After speaking with you, I’m going to look more into potentially transitioning into product management roles in the tech industry.”
- “Our talk gave me some great ideas for directions to take my social media consulting business. I’m going to do more research on the trends we discussed.”
- “Thanks for all the helpful advice! I’m going to start reaching out to contacts at [company name] and [company name] about [role name] positions.”
Not only does this show you valued their input, but it keeps you accountable. Following up with them on your progress with tasks related to the conversation is a great reason to stay connected.
Close With Gratitude
No matter what else you include, always wrap up your message with gratitude. Some closing examples:
- “Again, it was so nice meeting you! I really appreciate you taking the time to chat.”
- “Thanks again for all your insights. I hope we can stay in touch moving forward.”
- “I’m very grateful for the advice and look forward to continuing our conversation. Have a great week!”
Ending on a gracious note leaves them with a positive final impression. It’s more likely they’ll remember the conversation fondly and reciprocate reaching out in the future.
Keep It Concise
While you do want to reference specifics and add personal touches, try to keep the overall message relatively brief. Here’s an example following the template:
“Hi [name], It was great meeting you at [event name] last night and learning about your experiences at [company name]. I really enjoyed hearing your outlook on [industry trend]. If you’re open to staying in touch, perhaps we could connect for a coffee chat or phone call sometime. I’d be happy to share any insights I have around transitioning into [role name] roles. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you think I may be able to lend a hand! Looking forward to continuing the conversation. Have a great rest of your week!”
A concise message has a better chance of being read than a really long one. But include enough detail to make it meaningful and personal.
Send Within a Few Days
Try to send your LinkedIn message within a few days of meeting at the event while it’s still fresh. The sooner you follow up, the more genuine your interest will seem. Avoid weird small talk or overthinking it. The goal is to keep the social momentum going.
Networking is meant to be an ongoing process. Sending a friendly, thoughtful LinkedIn message after meeting someone sets the tone for further conversation. With these tips, you can craft messages that strengthen relationships and lead to meaningful professional connections.
Example LinkedIn Messages
To see the principles in action, here are some complete example LinkedIn follow up messages after networking at events:
Example 1
Hi John,
It was great chatting with you at the Digital Marketing Meetup last night. Thank you for taking the time to connect! I really enjoyed hearing about your experiences in leading SEO initiatives and how you helped increase organic traffic at Acme Co.
If you’re open to staying in touch, I’d love to grab coffee sometime to hear more about your approach to optimizing content and keyword targeting. As I mentioned, I’m hoping to eventually transition into an SEO-focused marketing role. Your insights around developing expertise in SEO would be tremendously helpful.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you think I could lend a hand with anything you have going on! I’m happy to at least connect you with some people in my network who have SEO backgrounds. Looking forward to continuing the conversation. Hope you have a great rest of your week!
Best,
[Your Name]
Example 2
Hi Sarah,
It was a pleasure meeting you at the Women in Tech Networking Night last week! Thank you for taking some time to talk. I really enjoyed learning about your experiences pivoting into a UI/UX design career and your work on the new app for Acme Co.
If you’re open to it, I’d love to stay in touch going forward. Perhaps we could meet for coffee sometime in the next few weeks. I’d appreciate hearing any advice you have around transitioning into product design roles coming from a marketing background. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you think I can offer insights on the marketing side of things as well!
I’m going to take some of the advice you mentioned and look into freelancing opportunities to build my design portfolio. Thanks again for all of the helpful guidance! Looking forward to continuing our conversation.
Best,
[Your Name]
Example 3
Hi Mark,
It was great to finally meet you in person at the Finance Mixer last night after connecting on LinkedIn. Thank you for taking some time to chat – I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and insights into transitioning into investment banking.
If you’re open to staying connected, I’d love to continue the conversation over coffee or on a quick phone call sometime. I’d be happy to introduce you to some of my former colleagues at Barclays if it would be helpful in your upcoming interviews there. And please let me know if there are any other ways I can lend a hand!
Our discussion gave me some great new perspectives on positioning my experience for finance roles. I’m going to update my resume and start reaching out to some contacts at investment firms we discussed. Thanks again for all of the valuable advice! Looking forward to staying in touch.
Best,
[Your Name]
Key Takeaways
Following up after networking events is critical. Use these tips when crafting your LinkedIn message:
- Thank them for taking the time to connect.
- Reference something specific you discussed.
- Suggest meeting up again to continue the relationship.
- Offer your help or insights where appropriate.
- Mention any next steps you’ll take based on their advice.
- Close with gratitude.
- Keep the message relatively brief but personalized.
- Send your note within a few days while the conversation is fresh.
With these best practices, your networking follow-ups will strengthen relationships and open the door to ongoing mutually beneficial connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you follow up with everyone you meet at a networking event?
You don’t necessarily need to follow up with every single person you exchange business cards with at an event. Prioritize connecting after conversations where you had a genuine, memorable interaction and feel there is potential for an ongoing relationship. One quality follow-up per event is better than sending generic messages to dozens of people.
How long should a LinkedIn follow up message be?
Aim to keep your LinkedIn follow up message after networking around 3-5 sentences or a short paragraph. You want enough detail to personalize it and jog their memory, but not so long that they won’t read it thoroughly. Focus on the key highlights vs. a extensive play-by-play.
How do you write a networking follow up email?
The same general principles apply when following up via email after meeting someone at an event. Thank them for connecting, reference a specific topic discussed, and suggest continuing the relationship. Keep the email concise but personalized. Email follow-ups may warrant only 2-3 sentences if you already connected via LinkedIn.
What do you say when following up after meeting someone?
Key things to mention when following up after meeting someone new: 1) Thank them for taking the time to connect 2) Reference something you specifically discussed 3) Suggest meeting again or staying in touch 4) Offer any help or introductions 5) Note any next steps you’ll take based on their advice. Close by expressing appreciation and gratitude.
How soon should you follow up after meeting someone new?
It’s best to follow up within a few days of meeting someone at a networking event, ideally within 24-48 hours if possible. This reinforces that you genuinely enjoyed the conversation while it’s still top of mind. Following up weeks later looks like an afterthought.
Conclusion
Following up after networking events is a critical part of building relationships. A friendly, personalized LinkedIn message continuing the conversation from an event can go a long way. Keep your messages concise but reference specifics when possible. Most importantly, express gratitude and interest in staying connected. With some thought and care, your networking follow-ups will create meaningful ongoing professional bonds.
