How to Stay Connected with Colleagues After Events

LinkedIn QR codes are cool, but I prefer Blinq - and here's why it's a game-changer for networking 🔗 At a recent event, someone shared their LinkedIn QR code with me. While LinkedIn's QR feature is handy, I've been using Blinq for years, and it solves a networking problem we've all experienced. The Problem: You scan 10+ QR codes at a conference, connect with everyone on LinkedIn, but three months later someone asks "Do you know anyone at Company X?" You see you're connected to someone there, but have absolutely no idea how you met them or what you talked about. Sound familiar? 🤔 How Blinq Works: ✅ Digital business card that connects to all your social profiles ✅ Tracks when and where you met each person ✅ Lets you add context notes about your conversation ✅ Multiple cards for different contexts (I have personal + work versions) The Real Value: Last week, I was looking through my Blinq connections and realized I met two potential leads at eLive (my company's conference) back in April, but I'd completely forgotten! Instead of a generic "Hey, we're connected" message, I could reach out with "Hey, I met you at eLive in April..." That context transforms a cold outreach into a warm conversation. 💡 Why This Matters for LinkedIn: Imagine if LinkedIn's QR code feature included location tracking and context notes. The networking follow-up game would be completely different. Instead of wondering "How do I know this person?" you'd have the full story of your connection. There are other digital business card tools out there (HiHello, CamCard, Dot, etc.), but Blinq's ability to capture the story behind each connection is what sets it apart for me. For fellow networkers: If you're going to conferences, events, or meetups, consider tools that help you remember not just WHO you met, but WHERE and WHAT you discussed. Your future self will thank you when it's time to follow up! 🚀 What's your go-to tool for staying organized with networking connections? I'll share my work version on Blinq for reference: https://lnkd.in/eSgNbkEA #Networking #DigitalBusinessCards #Blinq #ConferenceNetworking #LeadGeneration #LinkedIn #ProfessionalNetworking #TechTools #TechTips #WomeninTech #BlacksinTech

“I’ve met a lot of great people during my internship, but how do I actually stay in touch with them?” Here are 7 simple ways to keep those relationships alive. But first, let's be clear — you do NOT need to stay in touch with everyone you meet. Focus on the people who added the most value to you and who you genuinely want to stay in touch with. ("Value" is subjective — it can be anyone whose advice, example, or thoughts inspired you.) — 1.  Ask for a second conversation The simplest, most direct approach. If you found value in the first conversation, let them know and ask if they’d be open to staying in touch: “I really appreciated our conversation — would love to reconnect down the line once I’ve made progress on [X]. Would that be okay?” This sets the tone for an ongoing relationship instead of a one-off exchange. — 2. Send a thank you after your internship If someone helped you during your internship, send a thank-you message before you leave. Make it specific: “Thanks again for all your support on [X] this summer, Jamie. Your advice on [Y] helped me a lot — I’ll definitely carry it with me going forward!” Gratitude builds goodwill and reinforces the connection. — 3. Action item updates During your conversation, ask what they'd recommend you do to grow in your field. This could be a podcast, a person to connect with, a skill to build, etc. Then do it. Afterward, send a quick update: “Hi Rob! Thanks again for the recommendation to [do X] — I just got done and gained a lot from it. Here's what I learned...” This simple note shows follow-through and keeps the relationship active. — 4. Share a relevant resource If you come across an article, podcast, or another resource that might be relevant to them, send it. "Hi Sally! I came across this [resource] this morning and thought it might be useful. See below. Hope it's helpful!" A low-effort, thoughtful way to engage. — 5. Engage with their content If they post content, a simple like or a thoughtful comment keeps you on their radar without the need to send a full DM or email. These are smart, light touch points in between your other communications. — 6. Send an update or a question Every so often, reach out with purposeful updates or questions related to something you've previously discussed. "Hi Ed! Last time we spoke, you recommended I take a course on Organizational Behavior. I just wrapped up the semester and loved the course! Are there other relevant courses you think I should look into?" — 7. Celebrate their wins If they announce a promotion, launch a project, or speak at an event, send a quick message: “Congrats on the promotion, Mel! I know you'll do well in the new role.” It shows you’re paying attention and rooting for them. — PS. Staying in touch is not just about constant messages or grand actions. Even light check-ins (done well) can lead to long-term professional relationships.

I landed back in Los Angeles after a 4-day legal convention in Vegas and realized something: People are great at networking in the moment, but struggle to follow-up and keep relationships after an event like a major convention. To make sure all of the connections you made are sustained long-term, here's a step-by-step guide to effectively follow up post-convention: 📝 Personalized Note Writing: Always begin with a personalized note. Thank your new contacts for their time and highlight specific topics or moments you shared. A handwritten note can make a deep impression in today's digital world, signaling thoughtfulness and genuine interest. 📲 Organize Contact Details: Compile a database of the addresses, emails, and other contact details you've gathered. Tools like Microsoft Excel or CRM platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot can be great for this. This not only helps with immediate follow-up but aids in long-term relationship management. 🤳🏻 Engage on Social Media:   Connect with your new contacts on platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, IG, Facebook and TikTok. Engage with their posts to foster online rapport, but ensure your interactions are meaningful. 📩 Newsletters:   If you have a newsletter, consider adding your new contacts to the mailing list (with their consent). This keeps them updated on your activities, insights, and the latest happenings in the legal field. 🔄 Share Your Work: If you've written books, articles, or other publications, share them. It not only positions you as an expert but provides value to your contacts. ✅ Regular Check-ins:   Set reminders to touch base periodically. You could share relevant articles, wish them on holidays, or update them about significant milestones in your career. 👏🏼 Tips and Insights: Offer helpful tips or insights from the convention or from your experience. It’s a non-invasive way to remind them of the value you bring to the table. 🤝 Long-Term Relationship Building Relationships are not about transactions but genuine connections. Ensure your interactions are not always business-focused. Learn about their interests, congratulate them on personal achievements, and be there during challenging times. 📚 Recommend Books: If you've come across insightful books (including ones you've written), recommend them. It's a subtle way to showcase your expertise and share knowledge. 🎉 Events and Reunions: Consider organizing or attending reunion events for convention attendees. It's a way to rekindle connections and stay updated on each other’s progress. Remember: post-convention networking is an art. It requires genuine interest, persistence, and patience. By investing time and effort into nurturing these relationships, you'll not only grow your network but also enrich your professional journey. Remember, it's not about how many contacts you have, but the depth and quality of those connections. #networking #lawyer #success #relationshipbuilding