Networking & Career / Following Up After Events / Lesson 02

LESSON 02 · FOLLOWING UP AFTER EVENTS

Write Notes Before You Forget

Eighteen easy tips to write notes before you forget, so each new contact becomes a real person.

Notes keep memories alive. Write while it is fresh.

26 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

26 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 notes matter

Memory fades quickly. A short note keeps a person real in your mind and makes your message warm.

TRY THIS
Write one.

TIP 2

Write within an hour

Right after the event, your memory is strongest. Use the commute home.

TRY THIS
Write soon.

TIP 3

Capture names and places

Write the name, the place and the date. These three details anchor the memory.

TRY THIS
Write three.

TIP 4

Add one detail

A pet, hobby or goal gives you an easy opener next time.

TRY THIS
Add one.

TIP 5

Add the next step

Write what you promised, such as send the article. Keeping promises builds trust.

TRY THIS
Add a step.

TIP 6

Use voice notes

Speak your notes into your phone if typing is slow. Voice is fast and warm.

TRY THIS
Try voice.

TIP 7

Take a photo of the business card

A photo with a note is a quick record. Keep it in a folder.

TRY THIS
Snap it.

TIP 8

Keep one list

One place is easier than many scraps. A notes app works well.

TRY THIS
Choose one.

TIP 9

Script: note format

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

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 10

Script: voice note

Today I met Maya at the meetup, she loves painting and wants a link on design tools. Say it aloud.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 11

Script: reminder

On Friday send Maya the article and ask about coffee. Write it clearly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: writing a long story

Long notes are not used, so keep it brief.

TRY THIS
Keep brief.

TIP 13

Mistake: never reading the notes

Notes only help if you use them, so review them the next day.

TRY THIS
Review.

TIP 14

Troubleshoot: when you have too many cards

Sort them by importance and note only the top ten. Do not overwhelm yourself.

TRY THIS
Sort first.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when you forgot a detail

Check the event page or message the host to jog your memory. Be honest.

TRY THIS
Ask the host.

TIP 16

Drill: write notes after your next event

Write notes for each person within one hour of leaving.

TRY THIS
Try it.

TIP 17

Drill: make a notes template

Create a template with name, place, detail and next step.

TRY THIS
Create it.

TIP 18

Capture a quote they said

A line they used is gold for your note. It proves you listened.

TRY THIS
Write one quote.

TIP 19

Note what you promised

Write what you will send or do. Keep promises small.

TRY THIS
List promises.

TIP 20

Add a rating for the chat

One to five stars helps you pick top contacts.

TRY THIS
Rate it.

TIP 21

Take a photo of the badge

A badge photo helps with names and spelling.

TRY THIS
Snap a badge.

TIP 22

Example: the voice note

Ben recorded a thirty-second voice note on the train home. Next day it saved him.

TRY THIS
Try it.

TIP 23

Example: the card scribble

Mei wrote on the back of cards. A week later she remembered everyone.

TRY THIS
Scribble notes.

TIP 24

Mistake: collecting cards and notes in different places

Move everything into one list each week.

TRY THIS
Collect in one place.

TIP 25

Troubleshoot: when your handwriting is bad

Type your notes on your phone as soon as you can.

TRY THIS
Type it.

TIP 26

Drill: write notes for five people today

Write one line for each person you met last.

TRY THIS
Write five.

Easy things to say

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

NAME

“I met Maya tonight.”

PLACE

“At the meetup.”

DETAIL

“She loves painting.”

NEXT

“Send her an article.”

DATE

“On Friday.”

CLOSE

“Notes saved.”

Your first week

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

DAY 1
Take a photo of the card

DAY 2
Write the name

DAY 3
Write the place

DAY 4
Write one detail

DAY 5
Write the next step

DAY 6
Save in one place

DAY 7
Review next day

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.