3 Indispensable Tips on What to Say When You Follow Up

“Dear Mr. Richardson: It was a pleasure to meet you this weekend. I am looking forward to our next meeting, hopefully soon.”

They don’t even bother clarifying who is writing, mentioning what they talked about, what ideas their meeting prompted, or how they think they can help each other in the future.

The follow up is crucial for worthwhile business relationships; however, in some cases it is better not follow up at all if the alternative is something like the above.

Many executives just don’t know what to say, for this reason, we give you 3 tips here to help you take advantage of the energy that arises out of meeting people in person and to strengthen the impact you create in them:

1. Establish the base for the follow up while you are talking to the person Right there, when you are talking to the person, you should be thinking about the follow up based on the topics you touch. When you get a hint, write it down behind the person’s business card. Look for the following:

- Things in common. Find a topic that interests you both; it can be related to business or personal. This will give you a very good reason to keep in touch, and as soon as you find something related to that topic, that may interest the other person, be it an article, an event, or an idea, let him or her know about it, while at the same time you set yourself in his or her mind. - Learn something new. Do not be scared to prompt conversations about topics you know nothing about but that the other person masters. Take the opportunity to ask lots of questions, and when you find an article or resource on the topic, mention it to him or her; this will enhance your relationship. - Give the person an idea, contact, or resource. As you learn about the person and his or her interests, think about something or someone that may benefit him or her. Tell them about it and commit to sending them the information. When you follow up, include the details you promised; he or she will confirm you are a reliable source.

2. Follow up immediately
If you let too much time go by, the person may forget about the conversation, or he or she may meet someone else in that time, weakening the impact of your follow up. The ideal time to follow up is the next day; if not possible, don’t let it go over a week.
3. Use copywriting techniques in the follow up

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