By Marc C. Shaffer
Every person I meet is valuable to me. Perhaps I was meant to meet them or they were meant to meet me, and the reason may become clear right away or many years down the road. Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards or making small talk with those you encounter, it’s about creating meaningful connections that can lead to lasting relationships that bring value throughout our lives.
Over the years, I’ve developed a system for following up after meeting someone new, ensuring that the relationship doesn’t end when the conversation does. These four follow-up tasks help me stay engaged, provide value, and continue growing my network in an intentional and impactful way.
- Send a Personal Note
A quick follow-up message is one of the easiest ways to make a lasting impression. Whether it’s a handwritten note or a digital card, the key is sending it promptly. I personally use SendOutCards and have received great responses from the people I connect with.
In my note, I always reference something personal from our conversation—it could be their recent travels, a shared hobby, or a cause they’re passionate about. This isn’t about business; it’s about starting or continuing a relationship. People remember how you make them feel, and a thoughtful message can go a long way in deepening relationships.
- Offer Introductions
When I meet someone new, I actively listen to understand what they’re working on and how I can help. A great piece of advice is to plan some icebreaker questions that you use when networking. For example, asking someone where they’re from may give you a moment of chit-chat, but asking what project they’re currently working on or what problem they’re trying to solve right now might uncover even more.
One of the best ways to provide immediate value is by connecting them with someone in my network who shares similar values, goals, or interests or who might impact their current project or problem/need. I don’t force introductions if they don’t make sense, but when they do, it often leads to mutually beneficial relationships. The key is to be intentional—connecting the right people at the right time.
- Connect on Social Media
Since I was in college when Facebook launched, I’ve been an active user for over 20 years. More recently, I’ve increased my activity on LinkedIn, where professional connections are easier to nurture.
Connecting on social media allows me to stay in touch, see what’s happening in people’s lives, and find opportunities to support them. Whether it’s celebrating their successes, offering encouragement, or just staying engaged in their content, social media keeps relationships warm. While I don’t use every platform, Facebook and LinkedIn have been the most effective for me and the professionals I connect with.
- Provide Details About Who I Am and Who I Enjoy Meeting
Networking should always be about how you can help others, but when someone offers to reciprocate, I want to give them something meaningful to work with. Instead of simply saying, “I’m a financial planner,” I share my Connections Piece—a quick guide to who I am, what I’m passionate about, and the types of people I love meeting. This includes:
✅ My passion for international travel, K-State (GO CATS! 💜), and volunteering
✅ The nonprofits I’m involved with, like Rotary, Centurions, and Big Brothers Big Sisters
✅ The types of professionals I enjoy connecting with, including successful couples planning for the future, business owners, and financial planners who share a commitment to under-promising and over-delivering
By sharing this, I’ve built meaningful friendships, strong community connections, and yes, even met some incredible clients along the way.
Building a Network That’s More Than Just Business
These simple follow-up tasks have helped me create a network based on real relationships—not just business transactions. If you’re looking to grow your network in a way that is intentional, kind, and systemized, I share even more insights in my upcoming book, One For All: How to Systemize Kindness, Grow Your Network, and Support Others Like It’s Your Job.
Want to stay updated on the book release this summer? Sign up for updates here.
How do you follow up after meeting someone new? Email me your top ideas at [email protected] and we’ll compare notes!