We go to networking events. We chat. We shake hands. We exchange business cards. And then we follow up. Or at least that is what we are "supposed" to do.

Here's my take: you follow up with whom you want to stay in touch with or want to do business with. Can you follow up just to be polite? Yes, of course. Nothing wrong with it. But if your time is limited, then be selective.

Now, if you are following up, there is a wrong way, a better way and the best way.

The<span style="text-decoration:underline;"> wrong way</span> is like this follow up email I received:
<div style="padding-left:30px;">

<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:x-small;">Hi Deborah: </span>

</div>
<div style="padding-left:30px;">

<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:x-small;">It was good to hear  about what you do for companies. I hope to see you soon. </span>

</div>
<div style="padding-left:30px;">

<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:x-small;">Sincerely, </span>

</div>
<div style="padding-left:30px;">

<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:x-small;">(name of person)</span>

</div>
<div>

<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:x-small;">The thing is, I never spoke to this guy directly. He got my card somehow. And it is vague. And impersonal. And gives me no reason to follow up with him.</span>

</div>
<div>

<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:x-small;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Better</span> is the following:</span>

</div>
<span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-size:x-small;"> </span>
<div style="padding-left:30px;">It was nice meeting you yesterday.  Attached please find a brochure about  our company.  Please feel free to email this out to other business owners. We  are happy to pay a 10% referral fee (minimum of $1,000) when you refer a  business owner to us.</div>
<div style="padding-left:30px;">Look forward to seeing you at the next event.</div>
<div>I did meet this person, who is giving me more information about her business.  However, there is no personal note. She doesn't seem to say anything about me.</div>
<div></div>
<div><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Best</span> is something like this:</div>
<div>
<div style="padding-left:30px;">Hi Deborah,</div>
<div style="padding-left:30px;">You had great ideas and suggestions. Thanks for sharing the information.</div>
<div style="padding-left:30px;">I'll contact you in two weeks. As I mentioned, I am working on a XXX program for XXX. I'll share  with you the structure that I am developing.</div>
<div style="padding-left:30px;">Best regards,</div>
<div style="padding-left:30px;"></div>
</div>
<div>A little about me and a little about her. A firm follow up time frame, and something particular to discuss.</div>
<div></div>
<div>What do you look for in a follow up call/email? What are your best practices?</div>
<div></div>
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