Networking & Career / Following Up After Events / Lesson 11

LESSON 11 · FOLLOWING UP AFTER EVENTS

Make Follow-Up a Weekly Habit

Eighteen easy tips to make follow-up a weekly habit, so connections grow steadily and calmly.

A little each week. Habits beat bursts.

24 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

24 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 weekly works

A small weekly habit builds strong connections. It is easier than a big push once a year.

TRY THIS
Start now.

TIP 2

Pick one fixed day

A set day makes it routine. Choose when you feel fresh.

TRY THIS
Pick a day.

TIP 3

Set a small goal

Three messages a week is enough. Small goals feel doable.

TRY THIS
Aim for three.

TIP 4

Use your tracking list

Open your list and choose who to contact. A list removes guesswork.

TRY THIS
Open it.

TIP 5

Mix types of messages

Send a thank you, a share and a catch-up. Variety keeps it fun.

TRY THIS
Mix it up.

TIP 6

Use short templates

Templates save time. Edit one detail to make it personal.

TRY THIS
Use templates.

TIP 7

Tick off your messages

A tick gives a small win. Wins help habits stick.

TRY THIS
Tick it.

TIP 8

Reward yourself

Enjoy a treat after your session. Rewards build habits.

TRY THIS
Treat yourself.

TIP 9

Script: planning

Every Thursday afternoon I send three kind messages. Say it firmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 10

Script: a catch-up

Hi Sam, I was thinking of you, how is your project going? Say it warmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 11

Script: a share

I found this article and thought of you. Say it lightly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: doing it only when you need something

People feel it, so contact them before you need help.

TRY THIS
Reach out early.

TIP 13

Mistake: aiming too high

Big targets make you quit, so keep small.

TRY THIS
Keep small.

TIP 14

Troubleshoot: when you feel busy

Do a ten-minute version with one message. Tiny habits count.

TRY THIS
Shrink it.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when you run out of ideas

Congratulate someone, share a link or ask how they are. Easy.

TRY THIS
Use easy ideas.

TIP 16

Drill: choose your day

Pick your weekly follow-up day and time now, then add it to your calendar.

TRY THIS
Do it.

TIP 17

Drill: celebrate four weeks

After four weeks, review how many people you reached. Be proud.

TRY THIS
Review.

TIP 18

Choose a regular time

Same time each week builds a habit.

TRY THIS
Pick a time.

TIP 19

Pair it with something you like

Have tea while you write. Pleasure helps habits stay.

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Add a treat.

TIP 20

Use a short checklist

Check list, write, send, record. Simple steps.

TRY THIS
Make a list.

TIP 21

Example: the Friday ritual

Joel did follow-ups every Friday at four. After a year he had many warm contacts.

TRY THIS
Pick a day.

TIP 22

Example: the commute habit

Maya wrote two messages on the bus each day.

TRY THIS
Use idle time.

TIP 23

Troubleshoot: when you miss a week

Do not worry. Pick up next week.

TRY THIS
Restart.

TIP 24

Reward yourself after each follow-up session

A small treat, like a favourite tea, trains your brain to enjoy the habit and keeps you coming back each week.

TRY THIS
Pick a treat.

Easy things to say

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

PLAN

“I will send three messages this week.”

TIME

“On Thursday afternoon.”

DO

“One message at a time.”

TRACK

“I tick them off.”

REVIEW

“I look at my week.”

CLOSE

“Done, and proud.”

Your first week

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

DAY 1
Pick a day

DAY 2
Pick a time

DAY 3
Set a goal of three

DAY 4
Use your list

DAY 5
Send messages

DAY 6
Tick them off

DAY 7
Reward yourself

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.