How to Follow Up Without Feeling Weird (or Being Ignored)

You went to the event. You met some great people. Now what?

You know you should follow up…

But your brain says:

• “I don’t want to bother them.”
• “What if they forgot me already?”
• “How do I follow up without sounding like I want something?”

This is where most connections stall out.

Not because of a bad vibe. Not because the person didn’t like you. But because you didn’t stay in motion.

The Real Secret to Following Up Without Feeling Like a Pest?

Make it about the relationship, not the return.

When your follow-up is rooted in presence, curiosity, and generosity—you don’t feel spammy. You feel human.

Here’s how to follow up after events in a way that actually deepens connection:

Step 1: Follow up fast-ish

You don’t need to message someone 2 hours after you meet. But don’t wait 2 weeks either.

✅ Sweet spot: within 24–72 hours That way, you’re still fresh in their mind—and it shows you value the interaction.

Sample opener:

“Hey [Name], really enjoyed our chat at [event]—especially [something specific they said]. Wanted to stay connected and keep the convo going.”

Step 2: Reference something real

Generic follow-ups fall flat. Real ones sound like:

• “You mentioned you’re exploring [project]—I found this article and thought of you.”
• “Still thinking about what you said about [insight]—I’d love to hear more if you’re open to it.”

Show them you listened. That alone puts you in the top 10%.

Step 3: Offer something small and helpful

This isn’t about proving your worth. It’s about creating value exchange—without asking for anything back.

Try:

• A relevant intro
• A resource or idea
• A thoughtful question

That’s how relationships start—with shared curiosity and care, not a CTA.

Step 4: Invite continued connection (without pressure)

Instead of:

“Let’s hop on a call!”

Try:

“No pressure at all, but I’d love to stay in the loop on [topic/project you're both interested in]. Let me know if I can ever support or collaborate.”

It signals interest—but also respect for their time and space.

Final Truth:

You’re not a pest if you’re thoughtful. You’re not annoying if you’re genuine. You’re not “too much” for wanting to build something real.

The people who build powerful networks? They don’t just show up at events. They show up after.

What’s one connection from a recent event you’ve been meaning to follow up with?Take 2 minutes. Send that message. Watch what happens.

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