The Follow-Up Formula: Email, DM, or Call?

You walk out of a networking event with a stack of business cards, a handful of LinkedIn requests, and maybe even a spark of excitement about new opportunities. But here’s the hard truth: if you don’t follow up, those connections will forget about you fast. 

The real power of networking isn’t in the event itself; it’s in what happens afterwards. A thoughtful, timely follow-up can turn a five-minute conversation into a mentorship, a collaboration, or even your next job. The problem? Most people either don’t follow up at all or choose the wrong method.

Should you send an email, a quick DM, or pick up the phone? This guide will share the best networking follow-up tips, including timing strategies, message templates, and advice on how to follow up professionally without coming across as pushy. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to follow up after a networking event so you never miss another opportunity again.

Why Following Up After Networking Events Matters

If you’re wondering whether following up is really worth the effort, the answer is a resounding yes.

• It keeps the conversation alive. People meet dozens of faces at conferences or mixers. Your follow-up ensures they remember you.
• It turns casual chats into opportunities. A quick message can be the difference between a forgotten handshake and a new client.
• It builds trust. Professional follow-up shows you’re reliable, proactive, and serious about your career.

Think of networking events as planting seeds. The follow-up is the water and sunlight that makes them grow. Without it, nothing happens.

Getting the Timing Right

One of the most common questions I hear is: “When should I follow up after meeting someone?”

Here’s a simple framework to guide you:

1. Within 24–48 Hours
   
   • Send your first follow-up while the conversation is fresh in their memory.
   • A quick “great meeting you” message with one personalized detail is enough.
2. One Week Later
   
   • If they haven’t replied, it’s perfectly professional to send a polite nudge.
   • Keep it light: “Just wanted to circle back on our conversation at [event]. Would love to connect further.”
3. Ongoing Cadence
   
   • Building relationships isn’t one-and-done. Engage with their LinkedIn posts, share relevant resources, or check in every few months.
   • The goal isn’t to pester — it’s to stay on their radar.

Pro tip: Strike while the conversation is still on their minds. The longer you wait, the more likely your contact will forget who you are.

Choosing the Best Follow-Up Method: Email, DM, or Call?

Not all follow-ups are created equal. The way you reach out says just as much as what you say. Let’s break down the best follow-up methods after meeting someone.

1. Email (Your Professional Default)

When to use it:

• Formal or business-oriented connections.
• When you want to include resources (resume, portfolio, links).
• To recap a detailed conversation.

Why it works:
Email is the professional standard. It allows for a clear and respectful message, leaving a paper trail that you can reference later.

Best practices:

• Use a clear subject line: “Great meeting you at [Event Name]”.
• Mention something specific from your conversation.
• Keep it short — 3–4 sentences max.

Follow-Up Email Template:

Subject: Great meeting you at [Event Name]

Hi [Name],

It was such a pleasure meeting you at [event]. I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic] and would love to stay in touch. If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to [offer resource / schedule a quick call / connect on LinkedIn].

Looking forward to staying connected!

Best,
[Your Name]

2. DM (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram)

When to use it:

• For casual or creative industries.
• When you connected online first.
• To quickly acknowledge the meeting and keep momentum.

Why it works:
Direct messages feel personal, but are quick and easy to send.  They also keep the connection alive in the same space where they’re already active.

Best practices:

• Keep it conversational and brief.
• Add value: a link to an article you mentioned, or a thank-you for their advice.
• Avoid overly formal language; a DM should feel natural.

DM Template (LinkedIn):

Hi [Name],

It was great connecting at [event]! I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on [topic]. Let’s stay in touch!

3. Call (Use Sparingly)

When to use it:

• When the person invited you to call.
• If you discussed urgent opportunities.
• For industries where calls are the norm (sales, recruiting, client-facing roles).

Why it works:
A call can quickly move things forward, but only if it’s welcomed. Otherwise, it can feel intrusive.

Best practices:

• Ask permission before calling (“Would you be open to a quick phone chat next week?”).
• Keep it short, respect their time (unless the conversation is flowing naturally).
• Always follow up with a written summary afterwards.

Phone Call Opener:
“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name],  we met at [event]. I wanted to follow up on our conversation about [topic]. Do you have a few minutes now, or would another time work better?”

Professional Follow-Up Message Examples

Here are a few professional follow-up message examples you can adapt depending on the context:

After a Job Fair:
“Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at [job fair]. I enjoyed learning more about [company] and the [role/industry]. I’d love to stay in touch and hear about opportunities in [field].”

After a Conference Panel:
“Hi [Name], I really appreciated your insights during the panel on [topic]. Your point about [specific idea] resonated with me. I’d love to connect and continue the conversation.”

After a Casual Meetup:
“Hey [Name], really enjoyed chatting at [event]. If you’re free sometime, I’d love to grab coffee and talk more about [shared interest].”

Networking Communication Strategies for the Long Game

The follow-up isn’t just about immediate opportunities; it’s about building a professional network that lasts.

Here are a few strategies to help you nurture relationships long-term:

1. Engage on Social Media
   
   • Comment on their posts, share their work, or congratulate them on their achievements.
   • This keeps you visible without constant direct outreach.
2. Offer Value
   
   • Share an article related to something you discussed.
   • Make an introduction to someone in your network.
   • Send congratulations when they change jobs.
     

3. Be Genuine
   
   • Don’t follow up just to “get something.”
   • Build connections the same way you would friendships, with curiosity and respect.

Common Follow-Up Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long: If weeks pass, the connection weakens.
• Being too pushy: Don’t demand meetings or opportunities right away.
• Sending generic messages: “Nice to meet you” with no context will be forgotten instantly.
• Overusing calls: Respect boundaries; not everyone likes spontaneous phone conversations.

Conclusion: Make the Follow-Up Count

Networking doesn’t end when the event does. In fact, that’s just the beginning. The best follow-up methods after meeting someone aren’t about overwhelming your new contacts; they’re about showing genuine interest, professionalism, and reliability.

• Use email for professional, detailed outreach.
• Send DMs for quick, casual touches.
• Reserve calls for urgent or invited conversations.

The key is timing, personalisation, and consistency. With the right networking follow-up tips, you’ll never have to wonder how to reconnect after meeting someone again. Instead, you’ll turn handshakes into opportunities, and opportunities into lasting professional relationships.

Because at the end of the day, networking isn’t about collecting business cards, it’s about building meaningful connections. And the follow-up is where those connections begin.