Networking & Career / Following Up After Events / Lesson 10

LESSON 10 · FOLLOWING UP AFTER EVENTS

Keep a Simple Tracking List

Eighteen easy tips to keep a simple tracking list, so no good contact is ever forgotten.

A list is your memory. Simple is best.

25 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

25 tips that really help

These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), The Fine Art of the Follow-Up (Steve Gillman), Networking Like a Pro (Ivan Misner), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why a list helps

Without a list, good contacts fade. A simple list keeps you organised and relaxed.

TRY THIS
Create one.

TIP 2

Choose a simple tool

A spreadsheet, notes app or notebook works. Pick what you will actually use.

TRY THIS
Choose one.

TIP 3

Make five columns

Name, where met, one detail, next step and date. Keep it simple.

TRY THIS
Create columns.

TIP 4

Add contacts the same day

Do it right after the event. Quick updates keep it fresh.

TRY THIS
Add today.

TIP 5

Write one detail for each

A short detail makes your next message warm.

TRY THIS
Add one.

TIP 6

Write the next step and date

A date makes actions real. Put it in your calendar too.

TRY THIS
Add dates.

TIP 7

Mark done and waiting

Colours or ticks show what is finished. Visual signs help.

TRY THIS
Mark them.

TIP 8

Review every week

Spend ten minutes to check dates and add notes. Weekly review keeps the list alive.

TRY THIS
Review weekly.

TIP 9

Script: note

Maya, designer, loves painting, send the article by Friday. Write it quickly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 10

Script: reminder

Check in with Alex on the first of next month. Write it clearly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 11

Script: update

Met for coffee, she will introduce me to her manager. Write it simply.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: making the list too complicated

Complicated lists get abandoned, so keep it simple.

TRY THIS
Keep simple.

TIP 13

Mistake: never opening the list

A list you ignore is useless, so check it weekly.

TRY THIS
Open it.

TIP 14

Mistake: treating people like data

Remember each is a person, so keep notes kind.

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Be kind.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when you have no time

Add only name and next step. Even that helps.

TRY THIS
Add two things.

TIP 16

Troubleshoot: when the list gets long

Sort by top contacts and archive old ones. Focus on active ones.

TRY THIS
Sort it.

TIP 17

Drill: build your list today

Add your last ten contacts to a simple list today.

TRY THIS
Do ten.

TIP 18

Drill: set a weekly review

Add a ten-minute weekly review to your calendar.

TRY THIS
Set it.

TIP 19

Add the date of your last contact

It tells you when to follow up again.

TRY THIS
Add dates.

TIP 20

Add how you can help them

One line about what they need helps you plan.

TRY THIS
Add needs.

TIP 21

Review once a week for ten minutes

A small review keeps the list fresh.

TRY THIS
Set a review.

TIP 22

Example: the Monday sheet

Rita opened her sheet each Monday and picked three people to message.

TRY THIS
Try Mondays.

TIP 23

Example: the notebook list

Sam used a pocket notebook and added new names each night.

TRY THIS
Try a notebook.

TIP 24

Troubleshoot: when you forget to update

Add a reminder to review. Habits help.

TRY THIS
Set a reminder.

TIP 25

Drill: add three people right now

Open your list and add three recent contacts.

TRY THIS
Add three.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

ADD

“Let me add Maya to my list.”

NOTE

“She loves painting.”

DATE

“I will message on Friday.”

CHECK

“Let me check my list.”

UPDATE

“I will update it today.”

CLOSE

“My list is current.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Choose a tool

DAY 2
Make columns

DAY 3
Add contacts

DAY 4
Add notes

DAY 5
Add dates

DAY 6
Review weekly

DAY 7
Update

Further reading

• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• The Fine Art of the Follow-Up (Steve Gillman)
• Networking Like a Pro (Ivan Misner)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.