Maximizing Post-Conference Momentum: A Key to Business Success
Wow, what an exhilarating experience!
I’ve just come off of two fantastic conferences, each filled with invaluable information, meaningful networking, and so many “a-ha” moments to bring back and implement in my business.
But here’s the fascinating part that dawned on me this morning: the stark difference in post-conference follow-up practices between these two groups of entrepreneurs.
In the first group, I met business owners and professionals who each bring in a minimum of $100,000 a year, with some reaching into the millions.
In the second group, participants ranged from those just launching their businesses to more seasoned entrepreneurs. The core difference? The follow-up.
The $100K-plus group was on it! Some had reached out before I’d even returned home, keen to connect, learn more about what I do, and explore potential synergy between our businesses. This was momentum in action. By moving quickly, they capitalized on the conference “high,” aiming to keep the energy going, building rapport, and ensuring opportunities didn’t slip away.
Now, here’s where it gets intriguing. I’ve been home for three days after the second conference, yet not a single person from that group has followed up.
This left me reflecting on the power of timely follow-up as an essential business strategy.
If I were to distill my key takeaways from these experiences, it would be twofold:
- Immediate follow-up is invaluable: The $100K-plus group understood the importance of striking while the iron is hot. They knew that the excitement and momentum of the event would fade quickly, and they didn’t let the opportunity to strengthen connections slip by.
- Seize the moment: For the other group, the opportunity to follow up and nurture those budding relationships might still be there, but the lack of urgency creates a gap. It’s a lesson that in business, especially during networking, timing can often be the differentiator.
And so, I find myself at a crossroads.
I can either sit back and wait to see if those connections reach out or choose to take charge and follow up myself. I know that the most successful entrepreneurs, regardless of their industry, don’t wait around for opportunity to knock—they go and open the door.
So, here’s a question for you: When you meet someone at a conference or event that you’d love to connect with, what’s your approach? Are you proactive, keeping the momentum alive, or do you sometimes fall into the habit of waiting for them to reach out?
And if you’d like to make a change, what small action could you take next time to stay in the flow?
