Healthy connections · Oct 28, 2026
Networking Follow-Up: What to Say in the First 48 Hours
A good meeting is only the beginning of a relationship. The best follow-up proves that you listened and suggests a specific, low-pressure next step.
Why it matters
A conversation at an event is easy to enjoy and easy to lose. Within a few days, both people are back to full inboxes. A short, specific note sent early turns a pleasant chat into the start of a working relationship.
The first 48 hours matter because the memory is fresh and your message is expected, not interrupting. The note does not need to be long. It needs to show you were listening.
Put it into practice
Send a short note naming where you met, recalling one topic and offering one useful resource or a 15-minute call. If there is no answer, one polite reminder is enough.
- Within a day, send a short message by the channel you agreed on, usually email or LinkedIn.
- Open with where you met and one detail you remember. Specific beats generic every time.
- Offer one useful thing: an article, an introduction, a template or a short call. Keep it small.
- Suggest a single next step with an easy way to say no, such as a 15-minute call or a coffee next month.
- If there is no reply after about a week, send one polite reminder. After that, let it go and keep the door open.
- Record the date and the topic in your notes so the next message can pick up the thread.
What to say
I enjoyed our conversation about your new service. Would the checklist I mentioned be useful?
- “Hi Sam, it was good to meet you at Thursday's networking night. I enjoyed hearing how you're rebuilding your onboarding. I mentioned a checklist I use; I've attached it in case it's useful. If you'd like to compare notes, I'm happy to do a 15-minute call.”
- “Hi Maria, a quick follow-up on our conversation about hiring your first designer. I thought of someone who may be a good fit and would be glad to make an introduction if you'd like.”
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending a generic “Nice to meet you, let's connect” message. It could be sent to anyone, so it signals nothing.
- Attaching a sales deck or booking link in the first message. Lead with something helpful, not a request.
- Sending several reminders in a short time. One polite follow-up is professional; more feels like pressure.
Keep reading
- Networking Across Genders: Stay Warm, Stay Professional
- How to Network When You Don't Know Anyone
- Networking Starts With You: Personal Habits That Build Trust
- The follow-up: turning one event into a relationship
- Business networking events in Vancouver: the guide
- Upcoming Get2Gether networking nights in Vancouver
Quick answers
The short version
Keep it honest and simple: mention the event, say you enjoyed meeting, and ask a question about what they were working on. Next time, jot a note right after the conversation.
Use the channel the person suggested. If none was mentioned, email is more private and lets you attach a resource, while LinkedIn works if you only exchanged names.