Instead of “How are you?”…
“What’s something you’re learning right now?”
“Who have you met here that inspired you?”
“Who’s someone here that you’d love to collaborate with?”
Instead of “What do you do?”…
“What’s something outside of work that’s inspiring you right now"?”
“What’s one challenge you’re working through right now?”
“What’s a book or podcast that’s shifted your thinking recently?”
Level One - The Basics (24- 48 hours)
Triple check their name before you hit send. NOTHING kills a connection faster than misspelling.
Reference the exact moment/quote that stood out in your conversation.
Name the feeling: how they made you feel (encouraged, inspired, curious).
The Follow-Up Toolkit
Honor your timeline
If you say, “I’ll get back to you tomorrow,” do it - or reset it honestly.
Photo power (GAME CHANGER)
Send a pic of you together from an event with a quick note.
Level Two - Add Value (days 2–7)
Align with their goals: send a relevant resource, job posting, or event.
Ask a follow-up question that picks up exactly where you left off.
Check in on impact: “How did that session/panel land with you after “INSERT EVENT?”
Gut check before sending: What value am I offering here?
Share a resource
Share a book, article or podcast tied to your conversation.
Offer an intro
Share an intro with someone from your network.
Level Three - The Follow Through (by week 2)
Pace yourself. Follow up within two weeks of meeting, but don’t flood.
Suggest a concrete next step: Coffee, Zoom, or a specific collaboration idea.
Deliver first, ask later
If you promised something, send it before asking for anything.
Level Four - The Long Game (30–60 days)
Re-open the loop with something relevant (new insight, resource or quick win you can share.)
Don’t ghost if you can’t commit
Communication builds more trust than silence.
Set a reminder
If the timing isn’t right, let them know and plan a follow-up within 6o days.