You just attended a networking event or a virtual conference. You gained a few new contacts and want to continue to build those relationships.
What do you do next? 
Send a follow-up email.
Reaching out to your new contacts after meeting them is important because it shows interest and initiative in establishing a relationship. Continue reading for tips on sending an effective follow-up email.
The Subject Line
Keep it simple and professional. Include your name in the subject line so the recipient knows exactly who the email is from.
Examples
April Smith - Follow-up
Rob Johnson from XYZ Event
Follow-up from Monica Peterson
The Body
Write the message in a way that is personal, yet professional. Below are some tips for what to include.
Mention where you met the person and something from your conversation to provide context for the recipient.
Example: It was great meeting you at "name of event/conference." I appreciated your insight on "this topic."
Focus on how you can help them (as opposed to how they can help you).
Example: You mentioned you're having trouble with "this issue." I'd be happy to chat with you about it and offer my assistance, if you're interested.
Ask for support or advice and ask to meet again.
Example: I'm very interested in "this career field" and am eager to learn more about "your job/organization." Perhaps we could set up a time to meet next week?
Quiz
Which of the following is appropriate to mention in a follow-up email?
The Signature
End the email with:
A professional closing, such as "Respectfully" or "Sincerely."
Your full name
Your contact information
Optional: A link to your LinkedIn profile
Example
Respectfully,
Monica Peterson
123-456-7899
mpeterson@email.com
www.linkedin.com/mpeterson
Things To Keep In Mind
Proofread! And then proofread again. Make sure to read over the email before you sent it to check for spelling and grammatical errors.
Follow-up in a timely manner. Sending the email within 24 hours is best.
Make it personal. If you're sending an email to more than one new contact, avoid the temptation to copy and paste each message. Instead, include details unique to each contact.
Check out this video for a quick summary of how to follow-up with someone new.
Quiz
Which of the following should you definitely do when sending a follow-up email?
Take Action
Networking is important for making connections when job hunting and for building professional relationships. But just meeting someone is not enough; following-up after meeting a new contact allows you to build and solidify that relationship.
Next time you meet a new contact, don't forget to get their email address (or grab their business card) and send that follow-up email!
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