Making Friends / How to Follow Up / Lesson 09

LESSON 09 · HOW TO FOLLOW UP

The Same-Day Nice-to-Meet-You Message

Thirty-two easy ways to send the same-day nice-to-meet-you message, simple words that start friendships.

A short note after a chat feels warm. Send it the same day.

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), Platonic (Marisa Franco), How to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why same day

Your chat is fresh, and so is the warm feeling. A quick note shows interest and good manners.

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Send it today.

TIP 2

Keep it very short

Two or three lines is perfect. Short notes feel light.

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Trim.

TIP 3

Start with a greeting

Say hi and their name. Names feel kind.

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Use it.

TIP 4

Say you enjoyed it

It was lovely meeting you today. True and simple.

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Say it.

TIP 5

Mention one detail

Refer to something they said. It shows you listened.

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Add one.

TIP 6

Add a light next step

Say, let us catch up soon. Soft and easy.

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Offer.

TIP 7

Use emoji lightly

One smile emoji adds warmth. Do not overdo.

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Add one.

TIP 8

Check the spelling

Check their name and your words. Mistakes feel careless.

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Proofread.

TIP 9

Send at a sensible hour

Evenings are good. Avoid very late hours.

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Time it.

TIP 10

Do not expect a long reply

A short thank-you is a good result. Enjoy it.

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Be relaxed.

TIP 11

Reply to their reply

If they answer, continue kindly. Keep it flowing.

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Respond.

TIP 12

Save the thread

Keep the chat to find later. Use notes.

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Save it.

TIP 13

Script: basic

Hi Sam, it was lovely meeting you today. Say it warmly.

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Use it.

TIP 14

Script: detail

I loved hearing about your trip to Spain. Say it with interest.

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Use it.

TIP 15

Script: plan

Let us catch up for coffee soon if you would like. Say it lightly.

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Use it.

TIP 16

Script: link

Here is the article I mentioned, I hope you enjoy it. Say it kindly.

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Use it.

TIP 17

Script: closing

Thanks for the lovely chat, have a great evening. Say it warmly.

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Use it.

TIP 18

Mistake: overusing emoji

One or two is enough. Keep it natural.

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Reduce.

TIP 19

Troubleshoot: when you forgot their name

Check the event list or ask the host. Use it.

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Look it up.

TIP 20

Troubleshoot: when you only have email

Use a clear subject like Nice to meet you. Keep it short.

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Write it.

TIP 21

Troubleshoot: when it is a work contact

Use a polite tone and maybe LinkedIn. Add a warm line.

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Be polite.

TIP 22

Troubleshoot: when they do not reply

Wait a week and send a gentle nudge. Then relax.

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Be patient.

TIP 23

Drill: write three versions

Write three same-day notes for different people. Pick the best.

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Write.

TIP 24

Drill: send one tonight

After your next chat send one the same night. Time yourself.

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Do it.

TIP 25

Drill: set a phone reminder

Add a reminder: message new people. Use it.

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Set.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.

GREET

“Hi, it was lovely meeting you today.”

DETAIL

“I loved hearing about your dog.”

PLAN

“Let us catch up soon.”

SHARE

“Here is the link I mentioned.”

THANK

“Thanks for the lovely chat.”

CLOSE

“Have a great evening.”

Your first week

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

DAY 1
Save their number

DAY 2
Write a short note

DAY 3
Mention one detail

DAY 4
Add a smile

DAY 5
Send it

DAY 6
Wait for a reply

DAY 7
Reply warmly

Further reading

• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• Platonic (Marisa Franco)
• How to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie)

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.