Networking isn’t about collecting business cards; it’s about cultivating relationships. The real work begins not when the event concludes, but the moment you step away. For writers, this is paramount. Every pitch, every connection made, every casual conversation is a seed planted. Effective follow-up is the water, sunlight, and fertilizer that transforms those seeds into valuable opportunities. Without it, your efforts are largely wasted, your potential connections wither, and your hard-won contacts become nothing more than forgotten names in a pile of digital debris.
This guide provides a definitive, actionable framework for mastering post-event follow-up, ensuring you maximize every interaction and build a robust network that propels your writing career forward. We’ll move beyond generic advice, offering concrete examples and strategies tailored to the unique needs of writers.
The Immediate Aftermath: Seizing the Moment (Within 24 Hours)
The clock starts ticking the moment you leave. The goal here is speed and specificity.
Triage Your Contacts: Who Gets What?
Before you even touch your keyboard, review your notes (or the backs of those business cards). Categorize your interactions. Not everyone deserves the exact same follow-up. For writers, typical categories might include:
- Hot Leads (Potential Clients/Collaborators): People who expressed direct interest in your services, mentioned a specific project, or proposed a joint venture.
- Example: An editor who said, “I’m looking for someone to cover X topic; send me your clips.”
- Warm Leads (Useful Connections): Individuals who offered valuable insights, seemed genuinely interested in your work, or could be beneficial in the future, even if no immediate opportunity arose.
- Example: A fellow writer who specializes in a complementary niche, or a publisher’s representative you had a good, general conversation with.
- Information Exchange (General Networking): People you met briefly, exchanged cards with, but where no specific professional common ground was immediately apparent.
- Example: Someone you chatted with in line for coffee who works in a different industry but seemed pleasant.
The Hyper-Personalized, Immediate Email
This is your first, crucial touchpoint. It needs to be sent within 24 hours (ideally within 12) and must demonstrate you were listening.
- Subject Line: Make it stand out and remind them where you met. Avoid generic “Following Up.”
- Good Example: “Great chat at [Event Name] about [Specific Topic] – [Your Name]”
- Better Example for a Hot Lead: “Following up on our conversation at [Event Name] about [Their Project Idea]”
- Opening: Reference a specific detail from your conversation. This immediately shows you’re not sending a mass email.
- Weak: “It was great meeting you at the conference.”
- Strong: “It was a pleasure discussing the challenges of long-form journalism at [Event Name] yesterday. Your insights on [specific point they made] really resonated.”
- Body (Hot Lead):
- Reiterate Value: Briefly remind them how you can help with their identified need.
- Call to Action (CTA): Propose a clear next step. This is crucial. Don’t leave it hanging.
- Attachment (Optional but Recommended): Directly attach relevant samples or your media kit if it was discussed. Don’t make them dig.
- Example: “As we discussed, I have extensive experience writing about [their topic/industry] and can craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience. I’ve attached a few relevant clips, particularly [Clip A] and [Clip B], which showcase my approach to [specific element they mentioned]. I’d be happy to schedule a brief 15-minute call next week to discuss your project needs for [specific project mentioned] in more detail. What days/times work best for you?”
- Body (Warm Lead):
- Build Rapport: Focus on common ground or shared interests discovered during your chat.
- Offer Value (General): Suggest a resource, an article, or an introduction that might benefit them. Not a sales pitch.
- Open-Ended Question: Encourage continued conversation without immediate pressure.
- Example: “It was fascinating hearing about your process for [their area of expertise] at [Event Name]. I particularly appreciated your perspective on [specific point]. I recently read an article on [related topic] that I thought you might find interesting – let me know if you’d like me to send it over. I’m always looking to connect with other writers exploring similar themes.”
- Body (Information Exchange):
- Brief and Friendly: Minimal ask, just acknowledge the connection.
- Example: “It was nice meeting you briefly at [Event Name]! Hope you enjoyed the rest of the conference.”
- Closing: Professional and open.
- Always: “Best regards,” or “Sincerely,” followed by Your Name and Website/LinkedIn.
The Strategic Follow-Up: Nurturing Connections (Within 1-2 Weeks)
Not everyone responds immediately. This phase is about persistence without being annoying.
Second Touch: Adding More Value
If you haven’t heard back from a “Hot Lead” after your initial email (give it 3-5 business days), it’s time for a gentle nudge, but always with added value.
- Subject Line: Reply to your previous email (e.g., “Re: Great chat at [Event Name] about [Specific Topic] – [Your Name]”). This keeps context.
- Opening: Don’t just say, “Did you get my email?”
- Example: “Hope this email finds you well. Following up on our conversation last [Day of week of event] – I was thinking more about [their specific pain point we discussed] and wanted to share a quick thought/resource.”
- Body:
- Share a Relevant Resource: An article you wrote, a case study, a link to a relevant industry report, or an insightful piece by someone else. Don’t explicitly say “I wrote this.” Frame it as “I thought of you when I saw this.”
- Reinforce Understanding: Show you understand their needs deeply.
- Reiterate CTA (Softer): Offer another, less-demanding next step.
- Example: “I saw an insightful article today on [link to article] that touched on [their specific challenge], and it made me think of our discussion about [their project]. It offered some fresh perspectives on [specific solution]. I continue to believe my experience in [your area of expertise] could be particularly helpful for [their project]. Would you be open to a very brief 10-minute discovery call next week to explore how I might assist?”
- Why this works: You’re not just asking for something; you’re providing something. You’re demonstrating your expertise and genuine helpfulness.
LinkedIn Connection: The Professional Handshake
This works for all categories, but especially “Warm Leads” and “Information Exchange.”
- Timing: Send this within the 24-48 hour window for “Warm/Information Leads,” or after your initial email to “Hot Leads.”
- Personalize the Invite: NEVER send the generic LinkedIn connection request.
- Weak: “I’d like to add you to my professional network.”
- Strong: “It was a pleasure meeting you at [Event Name] yesterday. I enjoyed our brief chat about [specific topic]. Looking forward to connecting here.”
- Why LinkedIn? It’s a perpetual reminder of your existence in their professional ecosystem. It allows them to easily review your work, recommendations, and shared connections. It also opens the door for future soft touches via content you share.
The Long Game: Sustaining Relationships (Ongoing)
Networking is not project-based; it’s a commitment. The goal is to build relationships that last beyond a single event or immediate need.
The “Check-In” – Genuine Engagement
This isn’t about pitching; it’s about staying top-of-mind and genuinely engaging.
- Timing: Quarterly, or when you notice something relevant.
- Trigger: An article they published, a company announcement, a shared interest, or even just a general industry update.
- Content:
- Congratulatory: “Just saw your piece in [Publication] – fantastic work on [specific aspect]! It really highlighted [their unique insight].”
- Informative: “Saw this article on [relevant industry trend] and thought of our conversation at [Event Name] about [related challenge]. Found it quite insightful.”
- Thought-Provoking Question: “Hope you’re well. Given your experience with [their area], I was curious about your take on [emerging trend/topic]?”
- No Ask: Crucially, there’s no ask or hidden agenda here. You’re simply nurturing the connection. The goal is to elicit a brief, positive response.
Sharing Valuable Content (Soft Touches)
This can be via email or LinkedIn.
- Your Own Content: When you publish a new article, especially one related to a past conversation, share it specifically with relevant contacts.
- Example: “Hi [Name], I recently published a piece on [Your Topic] that I thought you might find interesting, especially given our discussion at [Event Name] about [related struggle].”
- Curated Content: Share articles, reports, or resources from others that genuinely add value to their professional life.
- Example: “Came across this fantastic report on [Their Industry Trend] and remembered your interest in [specific sub-topic]. Thought you might appreciate the data.”
- LinkedIn Engagement: Comment thoughtfully on their posts, share their content (with your own valuable insight), or recommend them if you genuinely can. This keeps you visible without direct effort on their part.
The “Referral Giver” – Be a Connector
One of the most powerful ways to build goodwill is to offer referrals without being asked.
- Scenario: You hear of an opportunity (writing gig, speaking engagement, relevant product/service) that would be perfect for someone in your network.
- Action: Connect them directly, briefly explaining why you think they’d be a good match.
- Example: “Hi [Contact A], I was talking to [Contact B] from [Company C] who is looking for a writer with deep expertise in [specific niche]. Given your background in [their specific experience], I immediately thought of you. [Contact B], I’d like to introduce you to [Contact A] – a brilliant writer specializing in [their expertise] whose work I greatly admire.”
- Why it works: You become a valuable hub, and people naturally reciprocate.
The Art of the CTA: Guiding the Relationship
Every follow-up, even the soft ones, should have a clear purpose, even if that purpose is just to elicit a brief, positive response.
Be Ultra-Specific
Vague CTAs get ignored.
- Weak: “Let me know if you want to chat sometime.”
- Strong: “Are you available for a 15-minute call on Tuesday at 10 AM PST or Wednesday at 2 PM PST to discuss your content needs for the Q4 launch?”
Offer Limited Choices
Don’t overwhelm. Give them 2-3 options for a meeting, delivery, or next step.
- Example: “Would you prefer a 15-minute call or a quick email exchange to clarify what you’re looking for?”
Mind the Commitment Level
Match the CTA to the stage of the relationship. Don’t ask for a 1-hour meeting from a cold lead.
- Initial Follow-up: “15-minute discovery call,” “send you specific clips,” “quick chat to confirm scope.”
- Warm Lead: “Send you a relevant article,” “exchange thoughts on this trend.”
Troubleshooting Common Follow-Up Pitfalls
Even with the best intentions, follow-up can go awry.
The “No Response” Dilemma
Don’t take it personally. People are busy.
- Strategy: Wait 3-5 business days from your last communication. Send one more value-add email (the “second touch” described above). If still no response after that, archive the lead for now. This doesn’t mean deleting them; it means shifting them to the long-term nurturing category via LinkedIn. You’ve done your part.
Over-Communicating (Being Annoying)
There’s a fine line between persistence and pestering.
- Signs you’re overdoing it: Multiple emails within 2-3 days, repeated calls, sending the same information repeatedly.
- Strategy: Stick to the guidelines: initial email (within 24 hrs), second value-add email (3-5 days later), then shift to soft, long-term nurturing via LinkedIn and occasional check-ins (monthly/quarterly).
Generic Follow-Ups
The biggest killer of potential connections.
- Problem: Copy-pasting templates, failing to mention specifics, sounding like a robot.
- Solution: Every single follow-up must contain a unique reference to your interaction, their work, or a shared interest. Personalization is non-negotiable.
The Passive Follow-Up
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do.” This puts the onus entirely on them.
- Problem: It’s vague and requires them to think of a reason to engage.
- Solution: Always offer a specific next step, even if it’s just, “Can I send you that article we discussed?”
Not Having a System
Relying on memory or a pile of business cards.
- Solution: Use a simple CRM (even a spreadsheet) or a dedicated networking app. Record:
- Person’s Name, Company, Title
- Date Met, Event Name
- Key Discussion Points (crucial!)
- Next Action Item (e.g., “Send samples on X topic by Tuesday,” “Connect on LinkedIn”)
- Category (Hot, Warm, General)
- Date of Last Follow-up
Conclusion: The Unseen Bridge to Opportunity
For writers, every event is a potential wellspring of inspiration, collaboration, and paid work. But merely attending is not enough. The magic, the lasting impact, the tangible results – all stem from a diligent, strategic, and human-centric follow-up process. It’s an investment, not an obligation. By taking the time to personalize your messages, offer genuine value, and nurture relationships over the long term, you transform fleeting encounters into enduring professional assets. Your network becomes your net worth, built one thoughtful, well-executed follow-up at a time. This isn’t just about getting the next gig; it’s about building a robust, resilient career where opportunities actively seek you out.