You can make a dazzling first impression, but the real magic of networking happens in the days that follow. Whether you met someone at a design event, a trade show, or your local Rotary breakfast, connections grow when you take the time to nurture them. Think of it as relationship design: you’re laying the foundation for trust, collaboration, and opportunity.
Ask Great Questions
The best networkers aren’t the ones who talk the most they’re the ones who ask the most thoughtful questions. Show genuine curiosity about the other person’s work, challenges, or passions. Instead of “What do you do?”, try “What’s exciting you most about your current project?” Questions like that make people feel seen, heard, and valued and that’s far more memorable than your elevator pitch.
Take Notes Right After
You’ll meet so many people that it’s easy to forget who shared what. As soon as you can, jot down a few details on the back of a business card or in your phone’s notes: where you met, what you discussed, and any follow-up ideas. These quick notes will help you personalize your next message and keep relationships clear and meaningful instead of muddled.
Follow Up Quickly and Personally
Within 48 hours, send a short, friendly follow-up:
“It was wonderful meeting you at the showroom event loved hearing about your sustainability project. Let’s stay in touch.”
Personal notes like these keep you top of mind and show professionalism wrapped in warmth. Bonus points if you include a helpful link, a resource, or an introduction to someone else who might benefit from knowing them. That’s networking at its best, adding value first.
In the end, networking isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about cultivating connections. The designer who follows up stands out. Because while first impressions open the door, thoughtful follow-up invites you in to stay awhile.
You’re so right. It’s the connection that is most important. I like your advice to jot done some notes on each person’s business card. And to connect with them within 48 hours when everyone remembers.
I’ve also been told and have done this, keep in touch with people ; you never know when the connection will benefit you or them.
Great suggestions, my grandson has an auto detail business and when he’s out and about he asks some of the same questions. This was also how a major trucking company hired him to detail all their trucks.
Great tips, Linda!
With so many connections digital, I make a note in the contact info plus assign a category as appropriate (friend, shared group etc)
Years ago, a small biz advisor suggested keeping client ‘tickler file’ of info cards with dates and info you might want to remember – birthday, anniversary …. those days in a rolodex!
Nadya: Years ago I did just that everyone had a long file and thanks for that reminder – to do it again. The list just seems so much larger.But it really can’t be.
L