The #1 Way to Follow Up With Clients and Prospects

Okay, so you’ve been out networking and you’ve managed to meet some pretty cool people.  This is great but, now what?

A common question that I get from clients is “What is the ‘best’ way to follow up with someone I’ve recently met?”

Now, when it comes to follow up, there are many things you can do… i.e. pick up the phone and call them; send a letter, brochure, postcard, news clipping or invitation thru direct mail; sign them up to receive your print &/or email newsletters; plan to network with them at a regularly attended networking meeting/event etc…

All of the above can be highly effective follow up strategies… but, which one is BETTER?  Well, this is a bit of a trick question because the answer depends on you and which one(s) you will actually do!

There really isn’t a “best” way to follow up.  It really doesn’t matter what I think is the best strategy if it outlines an approach that isn’t comfortable or motivating to YOU.

Action Tip: Take a moment and think of the many ways that you could follow up with prospects and clients.  Make a list and immediately cross out the ones that seem complicated or time consuming and focus your attention on ideas that are simple and quick.  If you keep revisiting one of the strategies you originally crossed off the list, dig a little deeper and ask yourself what is preventing you from using that strategy? It may be as simple as finding a system to simplify it, or perhaps it is a task that can be automated or delegated?

One final consideration is… how do your contacts WANT to be followed up with? Simply asking them what their preferred method of contact is, will enhance their experience with you and your company.  i.e.  “Okay, great! We’ll do lunch next week then. Should I call you or email you to confirm a time?” or “Yes, I’d be happy to send you more information about that. Would you prefer that by mail or email?

You’ve heard it before, and I’ll tell you again… there’s a FORTUNE in your follow up.  It doesn’t matter how you do it, rather that you do it!

Really, there are so many little things you can do to create greater results from your networking efforts.  To discover even more “little things” that you can do to boost your business thru networking and relationship building you can go to www.thenetworkingmasters.com/free-stuff  and register to receive a FREE “Networking Success” Kit. You’ll get a subscription to the highly acclaimed information packed eZine, “Networking with Ease” as well as a selection of valuable audios and special reports!

Steve Bell is contributing author to the best selling book “Masters of Sales” and co-founder of “The Networking Masters” and “The Networking Masters Telesummit” an educational site and event that help business professionals strengthen networking and sales skills. Steve has extensive experience in the Telecommunications / Electronics Industry where he won many internal awards for his sales and management achievements. His diverse experience and achievements makes him sought after speaker and trainer for both local and International events.