You just had a great first meeting with a potential client, business partner, or valuable contact. Congratulations! Now, it’s time to take the next crucial step: sending the follow-up email. A well-crafted follow-up email can solidify your new connection, demonstrate your value, and pave the way for a fruitful business relationship. This post will guide you on how to write the perfect follow-up email after a first meeting.
Timing Your Follow-Up
Timing is key when it comes to sending a follow-up email. Aim to send your email within 24 hours of the meeting, while the conversation is still fresh in their mind. If the meeting was on a Friday, send your email by Monday morning at the latest. Timely follow-ups show your enthusiasm and professionalism.
Crafting the Subject Line
Your email’s subject line is the first thing your recipient will see, so it needs to be clear, specific, and compelling. Include a reference to the meeting or a key point of discussion to jog their memory. Here are a couple examples:
- “Great to meet you at [Event] – Next steps”
- “Following up on our conversation about [Topic]”
Structuring Your Email
When it comes to the email itself, structure it in three parts:
- Opening: Thank them for their time and mention something specific you enjoyed about the meeting.
- Body: Refresh their memory about who you are and what you discussed. Reinforce the value you can offer and how you can help solve their problems. Suggest concrete next steps, like setting up another meeting or sending additional information.
- Closing: Express your appreciation and enthusiasm for the potential of working together. Include a clear call-to-action and your contact information.
Key Elements to Include
Make sure your email includes these key elements:
- Refresh their memory by mentioning a specific topic you discussed or a personal detail they shared.
- Express gratitude by thanking them for their time, insights, or advice.
- Reinforce your value by briefly reminding them of your unique selling proposition and how you can help them achieve their goals.
- Suggest next steps by proposing a specific date for a follow-up call or meeting, or offering to send additional resources or information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls when sending your follow-up email:
- Don’t wait too long to follow up. Strike while the iron is hot and the meeting is still fresh in their mind.
- Don’t send a generic email. Customize each follow-up email to the specific person and conversation.
- Don’t ask for too much in the first follow-up. Focus on building the relationship, not closing a sale.
Following Up on Your Follow-Up
If you don’t hear back within a week, it’s okay to send a gentle reminder. Acknowledge that they may be busy and restate your enthusiasm for continuing the conversation. However, if you still don’t receive a response after 2-3 attempts, it’s best to move on gracefully.
Using Tools to Stay Organized
Keeping track of your follow-up emails and growing network can be challenging. Using a tool like Clay can help you stay organized by allowing you to track your follow-up emails, set reminders for when to follow up again, take notes on your conversations, and stay on top of your contacts.
Conclusion
Following up after a first meeting is crucial for building strong business relationships. By sending a timely, specific, and value-driven email, you’ll stand out from the crowd and set the stage for meaningful, mutually beneficial connections. Try implementing these tips after your next meeting, and see the difference a great follow-up can make. Happy emailing!