Networking at Meetings: Following up
 

I'd like some advice on networking. I'm at a conference that will go on for a couple more days, and last night I chatted and exchanged cards with a potentially very good contact. I plan on following up with an email, but my question is when to do so? I've been told the general rule for networking is to follow up 24-48 hours after a meeting or conversation, but when does the clock start ticking when I'm at a conference that goes on for several days.

It seems silly to email him near the end of the conference or before the end of the conference, because in theory I could still go up to him and have another conversation with him. I also don't know if he even has an internet connection at his hotel. At the same time, I don't want to appear like a slacker or for him to forget me if I wait 24-48 hours after the end of the conference (which will be 4-5 days after our conversation).

Any ideas from people more savvy at networking than I am?

Thanks in advance!

Seems a little premature if you think you may still run into this contact in the next few days. On the other hand, a quick note might be fine just to acknowledge teh meeting and that you look forward to more communication after the conference.

I guess a lot would depend on what kind of contact this person is: new business, a potential coach, a peer. And, you know more about the specifics of the meeting you already had. Go with your intuition! If it becomes a problem the contact might not have been worth it.

OK, I'll tell you what I tell the folks who work for me: the clock starts running at the end of the conference. Sending an email now only to see this contact in the bar 2 hours later can be a little awkward.

What I do, especially if the contact is a potential client (as opposed to vendor) is send the email (or fax or phone call) with at least one good idea about whatever problem it is that you can solve for him. Remember that there is almost certainly someone else who can do whatever it is that you can do, so differientiate yourself somehow. With me, I can sell service all day long, and there aren't many people in my industry that can keep our pace with our hit ratio. Most of it is smoke and mirrors, but my clients don't really care.

One other thing, especially if this is a client - there is absolutely no shame in saying "I don't know, but I'll get an answer for you quickly" so long as you deliver on the promise. In business, never ever ever just make up an answer or be embarassed to admit that you don't know something. Admitting you don't know and finding out quickly for a client is a sign of strength, not weakness. Speed, however, can play a role.

That's my free advice. It may or may not be what you've paid for it. :)

Find a reason to touch base with him again before the end of the conference, even if it's just "Hey! See you soon!" then email within 24 to 48 of THAT.

Yep. Try to say hello to him again before it's over. Either way, just send an e-mail a day or so after the conference is over. Don't send one before.