05/09/2026
Be honest with me for a second.
When is the last time you left a networking event with someone's business card — felt a real connection — and then never followed up because you did not know what to say?
I have asked this question to hundreds of business owners.
Almost all of them raise their hand.
Here is why it happens.
You believe following up is asking for something.
So it feels presumptuous.
Pushy.
Like a salesperson knocking on someone's door.
But following up is not asking. Following up is showing up.
Those are completely different.
When a good friend texts you after a great conversation — you don't think "what do they want?"
You think: "I'm glad they reached out."
That is what genuine follow-up feels like to the person receiving it.
Not an imposition.
Not a sales call.
A relationship being maintained.
The fix is one sentence:
"Hey — you mentioned [specific thing they said]. How did that turn out?"
That sentence shows you listened. Shows you remember them. Creates a reason to reconnect that has nothing to do with selling.
And the awkward feeling?
It disappears.
Drop a ✋ if you have done this — connected at an event and then let the follow-up disappear into the void.