What do you do if you want to maximize your impact after networking events?

1 Follow Up Promptly

After a networking event, it's crucial to follow up with the contacts you've made within 24 to 48 hours. A prompt follow-up, such as a personalized email, shows that you value the connection and are serious about keeping in touch. In your message, reference specific topics you discussed to jog their memory and suggest a next step, whether it's a one-on-one meeting, a phone call, or simply staying in touch via social media. This timely response can set the stage for a fruitful professional relationship.

2 Share Resources

Sharing resources is an excellent way to add value to your new connections. If during your conversations, you mentioned a particular program, piece of research, or an upcoming event that might interest them, be sure to include that information in your follow-up. This not only shows that you were attentive during your interaction but also positions you as a helpful and resourceful contact within the social work community.

3 Schedule Meetings

To solidify the connections made at networking events, consider scheduling face-to-face meetings or video calls with key individuals. These meetings allow for more in-depth discussions and can lead to collaborative opportunities. When proposing a meeting, offer a few time slots and be flexible with scheduling. This approach demonstrates your eagerness to engage further and can lead to more meaningful exchanges than what's possible through email or social media alone.

4 Engage Online

Social media platforms are powerful tools for maintaining and expanding your professional network. Connect with your new contacts on platforms like LinkedIn, where you can engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing. This consistent online engagement keeps you on their radar and fosters an ongoing dialogue. Additionally, sharing your own relevant content can spark conversations and showcase your expertise in social work.

5 Offer Assistance

One of the best ways to build a strong professional relationship is by offering your assistance. If there's a project or issue your new contact is dealing with that aligns with your expertise or resources, offer your help. This could be anything from providing feedback on a project to volunteering for an event they are organizing. Helping others not only strengthens bonds but also reinforces your reputation as a collaborative and supportive professional in the social work field.

6 Reflect and Adjust

After each networking event and the subsequent follow-up actions, take time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Did certain approaches lead to more engaged conversations? Were there missed opportunities to offer assistance or share resources? Use these insights to adjust your strategy for future events. Continuous reflection and adjustment are key to maximizing your impact and ensuring that each networking opportunity is fully leveraged.