Networking Follow-Up Messages That Give People a Reason to Reply
Simple wording for a first connection, a promised resource, a short coffee invitation, and a considerate introduction.
Start with the conversation you actually had
A useful follow-up helps someone remember you and explains why you are writing. Send it while the conversation is fresh, ideally within a day or two when practical. Keep it short and use the channel you agreed on. Replace the bracketed details in these templates with something true.
First connection: ‘Hi [name], good meeting you at [event]. I enjoyed hearing how you’re approaching [specific topic]. I’m exploring [related interest] and would enjoy staying in touch.’ This is enough when you simply want to keep the connection open. You do not need to attach a sales offer.
Deliver the thing you promised
Resource follow-up: ‘Here’s the [article/tool/example] I mentioned when we talked about [problem]: [link]. The section on [detail] seemed especially relevant. Hope it’s useful as you work on [project].’ Check the link and explain the relevance in your own words.
If the resource is your product, say so. If you do not have the thing you promised, acknowledge it: ‘I haven’t found that example yet, but I haven’t forgotten. I’ll send it if I track it down.’ Avoid sending a large collection of unrelated links just to appear helpful.
Invite a small next step
Coffee or call: ‘I’d enjoy continuing our conversation about [topic]. Would you be up for a 20-minute coffee near [area] or a short call next week? I’m free [two windows]. No pressure if your schedule is full.’ Give the other person a clear reason, a manageable commitment, and an easy way to decline.
If you are asking for advice, narrow the question: ‘Could I ask how you chose your first customer segment?’ is more respectful of someone’s time than ‘Can I pick your brain?’ If you want professional consulting or substantial work, ask about their process and fees.
Ask before making an introduction
Permission request: ‘I met someone working on [specific problem] and thought there could be a useful overlap with your work on [topic]. Would you be open to an introduction? I can send a little context first.’ Get each person’s agreement before introducing them or sharing contact details.
One gentle reminder can be appropriate: ‘Just bringing this back up in case it got buried. If now isn’t a good time, no worries.’ If there is no reply, give them space. Do not add new acquaintances to an automated sales sequence or assume a connection request means newsletter consent.
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