Networking is a great way to grow your business, and receiving someone’s business card can feel like you’ve made a valuable new connection. But what happens next? A stack of business cards is only useful if you follow up and nurture those relationships—both new and old.
This guide will walk you through how to handle those business cards, the importance of following up, and how to maintain long-term connections with people you meet.
1. Business Cards Are Just the Beginning
When someone hands you their business card, it’s an invitation to start a conversation, not permission to flood their inbox with marketing emails. Just because you’ve received someone’s card doesn’t mean they’ve given you permission to add them to your email list. The key is to build trust first.
Here’s how to start:
Follow up within 48 hours: After a networking event, meeting, or conference, make sure to send a personalized follow-up email within a couple of days - one day if possible. This message should remind them of who you are and the context in which you met. You can thank them for their time and mention something specific from your conversation.
For example: “Hi [Name], It was great to meet you at [event]. I enjoyed our chat about [specific topic], and I’d love to stay in touch. Please let me know if you’re open to grabbing a coffee or scheduling a quick call to discuss how we might support each other’s businesses.”
Sending simple email is a friendly way to reopen the conversation and set the stage for future communication. Don’t forget to also send a follow up email sharing that you enjoyed the conversation. Let them know that you want to share your e-newsletter with timely tips and add the link to subscribe.
2. Schedule a Call or Meeting
If you’re looking to build a genuine connection, take the extra step of inviting them to a phone call, Zoom meeting, or even an in-person coffee. Scheduling a brief call gives you both the chance to learn more about each other’s businesses and explore how you can help one another.
A good follow-up message might look like this:
“Hi [Name], I’d love to learn more about your business and share some ideas about how we might collaborate or support each other. Would you be available for a quick call next week?”
Even a short call can help deepen the connection and move the relationship beyond just a business card exchange.
3. Ask for Permission Before Sending Emails
While it’s tempting to add new contacts to your email marketing list, it’s important to ask for permission first. Sending unsolicited marketing emails can create a negative impression and damage your relationship.
Instead, send an email inviting them to subscribe to your newsletter. Explain the value of your newsletter and what kind of content they can expect.
For example: “Hi [Name], I wanted to let you know about my monthly newsletter, where I share tips and insights on [specific topic relevant to your business]. If you’d like to stay updated, you can subscribe here: [link]. I hope you’ll find it valuable!”
This approach is more respectful and ensures you’re only sending marketing materials to those who are genuinely interested.
4. Stay Organized and Track Your Connections
As you continue to network and collect business cards, it’s important to stay organized. Without a system in place, it’s easy to lose track of who you’ve met and when you need to follow up.
Here are a few tips to stay organized:
Use a CRM or spreadsheet: Enter new contacts into a simple spreadsheet or use a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool to track their name, business, date you met, and notes about your conversation. Many of these features are now in most email marketing platforms.
Set reminders: Use your calendar or CRM to set reminders to follow up with contacts at regular intervals. For example, you might set a reminder to check in with someone a month after your initial conversation.
Take notes: After meeting someone, jot down a few key points about what you discussed. This will help personalize your future communication and show that you were paying attention.
5. Keep the Relationship Alive
Building a network isn’t a one-time activity—it’s about nurturing relationships over the long term. After the initial follow-up, continue to keep in touch regularly without being overbearing.
Here are a few ways to stay connected:
Send useful content: If you come across an article, podcast, or resource that’s relevant to someone in your network, send it to them with a brief note. This shows that you’re thinking of them and are interested in providing value.
Check in periodically: Every few months, send a friendly check-in email asking how things are going. For example: “Hi [Name], I hope all is well with you. I was just checking in to see how things are going with [specific project or business]. Would love to hear what’s new with you.”
Invite them to events: If you’re hosting a webinar, event, or workshop, invite your network to attend. This is a great way to keep them engaged while offering something of value.
6. Don’t Forget About Old Connections
As you focus on new contacts, don’t forget to nurture your existing relationships. It’s easy to neglect old connections when you’re constantly meeting new people, but these relationships can be just as valuable.
Here’s how to keep old connections strong:
Reconnect with a purpose: When reaching out to an old contact, remind them of how you met and update them on your business. You might say something like, “Hi [Name], it’s been a while since we last connected at [event]. I wanted to update you on some exciting new developments in my business and see how things are going with you.”
Offer help: If you’ve lost touch, reconnect by offering help or a resource that you think they’ll find useful. This reopens the door and shows that you’re still invested in the relationship.
Celebrate milestones: If you know they’ve recently had a business success, congratulate them! Sending a quick note celebrating their achievement is a great way to rekindle the relationship.
7. Be Patient and Consistent
Networking is about building genuine relationships over time. Just because you’ve exchanged business cards doesn’t mean the relationship will blossom immediately. Be patient and stay consistent with your follow-ups.
As long as you remain thoughtful, offer value, and respect boundaries, you’ll build a network of strong connections that can support you and your business.
Receiving someone’s business card is just the start of a new relationship. By taking the time to follow up with a personal message, scheduling calls, and asking for permission before adding contacts to your email list, you’ll build trust and nurture both new and old connections effectively. Staying organized and consistently checking in ensures that your network remains strong, engaged, and ready to support your business growth.
Building relationships takes time, but with the right approach, those business cards can become lasting connections that help you succeed!