How to Follow Up After Networking Conversations in the UK
The conversation is the beginning — not the result. Most people have good conversations at events and through LinkedIn, exchange contact details or connections, and then do nothing. The relationship evaporates.
Effective follow-up is what converts a conversation into a professional relationship. It is the step most people skip, and it is why most networking feels like it goes nowhere.
The Rule: Follow Up Within 24 Hours
After any networking conversation — an event, a call, a chance encounter, an online exchange — follow up within twenty-four hours while the conversation is fresh.
The follow-up should:
- Reference something specific from the conversation (proving it was real and you paid attention)
- Be brief (one to three sentences)
- Move the relationship forward without asking for anything significant
Example after a conference:
"Hi [Name], great to meet you at [Event] yesterday. Your point about [specific topic you discussed] was something I hadn't considered before — it has given me a lot to think about. Would love to stay connected."
Example after an informational interview:
"Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me this afternoon. The advice about [specific thing they said] is exactly what I needed to hear — I am going to [specific action]. Genuinely appreciated."
What to Do With a New LinkedIn Connection
If someone connects with you on LinkedIn after a conversation, message them within twenty-four hours:
- Reference how you connected
- Add something specific from the conversation or something useful
- Keep it brief
Maintaining Relationships Over Time
The challenge with networking is that most relationships, if unattended, fade. People you met at an event six months ago may not remember you without a prompt.
Consistent, light-touch maintenance keeps relationships alive:
Share relevant content
When you read an article that would interest someone in your network, send it: "I came across this and immediately thought of our conversation about [topic] — thought you might find it interesting."
Congratulate milestones
A new role, a promotion, a publication, an event they organised — a brief congratulatory message is always welcome and keeps you visible.
Check in occasionally
A quarterly or biannual check-in with key contacts is enough to maintain a relationship: "Hope you are well — I was thinking about our conversation earlier this year and wanted to update you on [relevant development]. How are things at [Company]?"
Comment on their content
If someone posts on LinkedIn, a thoughtful comment is a gentle touch-point that costs very little time and keeps you visible in their awareness.
When to Ask for Something
After you have done the work of maintaining a relationship, asking for a referral, an introduction, or advice is a natural next step — not an imposition.
The timing matters. Reaching out only when you want something trains contacts to expect extraction. Reaching out regularly with genuine interest trains contacts to think of you positively.
A good rule: before asking for anything, have you recently given something — information, an introduction, recognition, a genuine observation? If yes, the ask is proportionate.
The Relationship Lifecycle
Not all professional relationships stay active forever. Some contacts move to different sectors, leave professional life, or simply drift. That is fine.
Maintain the relationships that are genuinely relevant and mutual. Let others exist as warm contacts — reachable if needed but not requiring regular maintenance.
Use CVCircuit to build a CV that is ready whenever your maintained relationships lead to an opportunity — so that when a contact thinks of you, your application materials are as strong as the relationship.