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How to Follow Up After a Networking Event

Short answer: Follow up within one to two days, while they still remember you. Mention one specific thing you talked about, say what you would like to do next, and make it one easy action, such as a short call. Keep it to a few sentences.

Why the first 48 hours matter

People meet many others at an event, and the faces blur quickly. A message that arrives the next day or the day after lands while the conversation is still fresh. Waiting a week means you are reminding them who you are before you can say anything useful.

A simple five-step process

Take a note at the event. Right after each conversation, write one line on the back of their card or in your phone: what they do and one thing you talked about.
Sort your contacts the same day. Mark who you want to talk to again, who you can help, and who was just a pleasant chat. Spend the most effort on the first two groups.
Send the first message within one to two days. Use the channel you used to connect: email if you swapped email addresses, LinkedIn if you connected there.
Make one clear, small ask. A 15-minute call, an introduction you offered, or a resource you promised. One ask is easier to say yes to than three.
Follow up once more if you hear nothing. Wait about a week, send a short, friendly nudge, and then let it go. Not everyone will reply, and that is normal.

What to put in the message

Their name and where you met. "It was great meeting you at the Tuesday chamber mixer."
One specific detail. This is what shows you listened. "I liked what you said about helping dentists with their bookkeeping."
Something useful. An article, an introduction, or an answer to a question they asked. Give before you ask.
One next step. "Would you be open to a 15-minute call next week?" with your booking link.

Examples you can adapt

Hi Maria, it was great meeting you at Tuesday's chamber mixer. I liked what you said about helping dentists clean up their bookkeeping. I know a practice manager who has the same problem, and I would be glad to introduce you. Would a 15-minute call next week work to talk it through?

Hi Sam, good to meet you at the founders breakfast. You mentioned you are hiring your first sales rep. I wrote down a few interview questions that worked well for me, and I can send them over if useful. Either way, I would enjoy staying in touch.

Mistakes that cost you the follow-up

Sending the same template to everyone. People can tell, and it reads like mass mail.
Pitching in the first message. A relationship first, an offer later.
Asking for too much. A one-hour meeting from a stranger is a big ask. A short call is a small one.
Adding people to a newsletter without asking. It is annoying, and in some places it breaks email rules.
Waiting until you have the perfect message. A short, honest note sent tomorrow beats a polished one sent next month.

Where a personal video fits

A short video can stand out from a text message, because it shows you are a real person and that you spent a moment on them. The catch is time: recording a separate video for everyone you met this week is hard to keep up. Yabily is built for this one job. You record one video, and it turns it into a personal video for each contact, with their name in your voice and their website on screen. It is for warm contacts you actually met, not cold lists.

Common questions

How soon should I follow up after a networking event?

Within one to two days is a good rule. The conversation is still fresh, and your message is easy to place. If you cannot manage that, a late message is still better than none.

Should I follow up by email or LinkedIn?

Use the channel where you exchanged details. If you swapped email addresses, email them. If you connected on LinkedIn, send a short message there. Avoid sending the same note on both.

What if I do not remember much about the conversation?

Be honest and keep it light. Mention the event, say it was nice to meet them, and ask a simple question about their work. Next time, jot down one line about each person right after you talk.

How many times should I follow up?

Once after the event, and one gentle nudge a week or so later if there is no reply. After that, move on and keep the door open. You can reconnect later with something useful, such as an introduction or an article.

Is it okay to send a video follow-up?

Yes, if the person knows you and the video is short and personal. Send it the same way you would a text message, and say why you made it. Avoid sending video to people who have not heard from you before.

More guides

Follow up with everyone you meet

Record one video and Yabily makes a personal version for each contact. Join the waitlist and we will let you know when your spot is ready.

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Last updated: October 4, 2026