The Follow-Up Toolkit
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).
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 AfroTech?”
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, 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.