How to Follow Up After Events and Close More Sales

You just got back from a conference or trade show with a stack of business cards—or maybe some digital contacts. Now what? This is where many people drop the ball. They make solid connections but fail to follow up effectively, letting all that effort go to waste.

This blog will walk you through how to follow up after networking events, build lasting relationships, and close more sales. Plus, I’ve included a few easy-to-use scripts to help you hit the ground running. Let’s dive in!

1. Timing is Everything

The golden rule of follow-up: Reach out within 24 to 48 hours.
Waiting too long increases the chances of your contact forgetting who you are. A quick follow-up keeps the conversation fresh in their mind and shows you’re serious.

But here’s the catch—don’t send a generic “Great meeting you!” message. Personalization is key. Reference specific topics or moments from your conversation to make the interaction feel meaningful.

Example Follow-Up Message:

“Hey [Name], it was great meeting you at [Event]! I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic]. I’d love to continue the conversation and see how we can help each other out.”

This message shows that you were engaged, attentive, and genuinely interested.

2. Be Reliable—Deliver on Your Promises

If you promised to send a resource, make an introduction, or follow up with a link—do it immediately. Reliability builds trust, and people will remember you for following through.

Here’s another pro tip: Suggest a quick call or meeting instead of exchanging endless emails. It moves the conversation forward and gives both of you a chance to explore opportunities faster.

Example Meeting Request:

“If you have 15 minutes this week, I’d love to hear more about your goals and explore ways we can collaborate.”

This positions you as someone proactive, not just another person sending a thank-you email.

3. Use Digital Business Cards to Streamline Follow-Ups

If you exchanged contact info via a digital business card, you’ve already set yourself up for smooth follow-ups.

• All your information is saved on their phone. No more losing paper cards or manual data entry.
• Include custom links to your website, LinkedIn, portfolio, or meeting scheduler right in your message.
• Skip the scheduling hassle—send a link to your calendar and let them pick a time that works.

Using a digital business card not only saves time but also makes you look more professional and organized.

4. Persistence Pays Off—Don’t Stop at One Follow-Up

Many people send one follow-up message, don’t get a reply, and give up. Don’t make this mistake.

Business relationships take time to develop. If you don’t hear back after your first message, wait a week or two and follow up again.

Example Follow-Up Message:

“Hey [Name], just checking in to see if you had a chance to think about our conversation. I’d love to explore ways we can collaborate if the timing works for you.”

This message is polite, non-intrusive, and keeps the conversation alive.

5. Use LinkedIn to Stay Top of Mind

Before or after your follow-up, engage with your contact on LinkedIn. Comment thoughtfully on their posts or share their content. This keeps you on their radar without overwhelming their inbox.

When you do reconnect, the conversation will flow more naturally because you’ve stayed visible in a subtle, meaningful way.

6. Add Value with Every Interaction

Here’s the secret to successful follow-ups: Always offer value.

• Share a relevant article or resource.
• Make a helpful referral.
• Invite them to a future event you’re attending.

The more value you provide upfront, the stronger the relationship becomes. When you do land that second call or meeting, be prepared to take the conversation one step closer to a deal.

7. Bonus Tips to Maximize Your Follow-Up Strategy

• Arrive early and stay late at events. Some of the best networking happens outside the main sessions.
• Leverage downtime, like coffee breaks or lunch lines, to strike up casual conversations.
• Use the 3-to-1 rule: For every one thing you ask for, offer three things in return—whether it’s advice, introductions, or useful resources.

Final Thoughts: It’s All About the Follow-Up

Networking doesn’t stop when the event ends. What truly matters is what you do after. A solid follow-up strategy will help you build meaningful relationships, keep the momentum going, and close more deals.

And don’t forget—digital business cards make follow-ups faster and more professional. If you want to upgrade your networking game, check out our top digital business card tools [here].

Now go turn those handshakes into revenue! 🚀