What are the best ways to network and follow-up after virtual conferences?

1 Prepare in advance

Before you register for a virtual conference, do some research on the agenda, the speakers, and the platform. Identify your goals and expectations for attending the conference, and plan your schedule accordingly. If possible, connect with other attendees or speakers on social media or via email, and express your interest in their topics or projects. You can also prepare some questions or comments to share during the sessions or the chat.

2 Engage actively

During the conference, don't be a passive spectator. Participate in the live sessions, ask questions, share your insights, and join the chat. You can also use hashtags, polls, or surveys to interact with other attendees and speakers on social media. Be respectful, professional, and friendly, and avoid spamming or self-promoting. You can also take notes or screenshots of the key points or contacts that interest you.

3 Follow up promptly

After the conference, don't wait too long to follow up with the people you met or learned from. Send a personalized email or message to each person, thanking them for their time, sharing your feedback, and suggesting a next step. You can also connect with them on LinkedIn or other platforms, and endorse their skills or recommend their work. If you have something valuable to offer, such as a resource, a referral, or a collaboration opportunity, mention it in your follow-up.

4 Nurture the relationship

Following up is not enough to build a strong network. You need to nurture the relationship and keep in touch with your contacts. You can do this by commenting on their posts, sharing their content, inviting them to your events, or introducing them to other relevant people. You can also schedule a virtual coffee chat, a phone call, or a video meeting to catch up and learn more about each other. Be genuine, supportive, and consistent, and don't expect anything in return.

5 Evaluate your results

Finally, you need to evaluate your results and measure your progress. How many contacts did you make? How many of them responded to your follow-up? How many of them became your clients, partners, or friends? How did the conference help you achieve your goals or improve your skills? You can use a spreadsheet, a CRM tool, or a feedback form to track and analyze your data. You can also ask for testimonials, referrals, or feedback from your contacts to improve your networking and follow-up strategies.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?