The Impact of Thoughtfulness

Many businesspeople spend their time at a networking event working the room, making meaningful connections with other professionals, receiving and handing out business cards. As the event winds down, people go their separate ways, looking forward to their next event to help them grow their network.

Thoughtful and sincere follow up after an event continue establishing those connections and makes your networking stronger. Your connections don’t have to be your best friends; however, it certainly helps if they think that you are a caring person.

Your Responsibility as a Networker

Think about the last event you attended. Did you close your conversation with someone by saying, “Let me ask so-and-so about that and I’ll get back to you.”? If you did say that, you actually need to do it!

You might forget that you promised to find out some specific information for them, but they certainly won’t forget. It could be quite awkward to be called out for forgetting to follow up on something that you said you would do. As networkers, one of our greatest assets is our word – don’t let something as minor as a memory lapse take away yours. You are responsible for the interactions you have as a networker and the actions you commit to while you are networking.

Three Ways to Be Thoughtful

If you are wondering, “Am I a thoughtful networker?” I offer three things for your consideration. If they are not already part of your business networking routine, you may want to implement them.

1. Follow Up with Everyone You Talk With

When building business relationships, it is important not to let much time lapse before making the first contact after meeting them. I recommend that within 24 hours (48 hours at the latest) you send an email, card, or call them. Be sure to first remind them who you are and where you met, then say how much you enjoyed talking with them or share the information you discussed. Most business professionals love working with someone who is considerate and your personal follow up is a thoughtful way to leave a lasting impression.

2. Send Handwritten Cards    

Whether it is to say thank you, nice to meet you, or to send a message of congratulations, there are plenty of excuses to get out the stationery and send a handwritten card to a colleague or peer rather than an email. What makes this thoughtful? The effort that is involved. Emails are simple – you sat at your computer, typed a quick message, scanned it for typos, and hit send. Done.
Handwriting a card requires thinking through your message before you write it, and it requires your attention while writing to prevent errors. Sending a letter through the mail requires more than a click of a button.

3. Schedule Time Outside Regular Networking Events to Get to Know Them

This may seem like Networking Basics 101, and yet it is a frequently forgotten step of networking. These meetings are vital in helping you get to know your business connections, and many will be flattered that you are interested in getting to know them better. This step is thoughtful, and it is critical if you want your connections to truly help you grow your business. People love to talk about themselves, and the more you learn about the members of your network, the more they will want to know about you, too.

Thoughtfulness in business networking is not just about making connections; it is about nurturing them. By consistently taking time to build genuine relationships, you demonstrate that you value your network as more than just a resource.

The simple act of being thoughtful can positively impact your networking efforts, helping you create stronger, more meaningful professional relationships. Ultimately, your reputation as a considerate and thoughtful networker will lead to greater opportunities for success.

What does thoughtfulness in networking mean to you? How many of the above steps do you do? Is there something that you would add to this list? Share in the comments below.

Related Posts: