10 Ways to Follow Up that Feels Good and Builds a Connection with your Community

Earlier this month I attended a local friend’s monthly business roundtable.

The topic was how to retain clients while attracting new business.

Lots of great tips were shared and several new relationships were created.

As we wrapped up the roundtable discussion someone came up to me afterward and shared that they loved my tip and that I made a game of following up and staying connected to those that I meet.

One of the things I quickly caught onto when I started my business was that the easiest way to grow your business was through connecting and following up with those that you meet.

You can’t just meet someone one time and expect them to know what you do and start working with you immediately.

It takes at least 7 touches before people will even consider buying from you.

So you have to keep showing up.

If you’ve been hanging around me long enough you know I add to my calendar an hour of follow up on Friday and call it “Follow-up Friday” to make it fun.

Maybe it’s a little silly but I love to add fun to my business.

Whatever gets it done, right?

As I think of people throughout the week I add them to that hour so I can send them an email, handwritten note or the occasional gift.

Remember no one likes to be sold to but they love to feel special and important.

Here are my 10 favorite ways to follow up that feels good and builds a connection with your community.

1. Let them know that you were thinking about them. They were on your heart so you wanted to see how things were going. If someone pops into your mind and you’re really thinking about them, then that’s the perfect time to follow up with them.

2. Add value, share an article that goes along with what you’ve talked about before. If you happen to be strolling on the internet and find an article that makes you think of someone, share it with them. It can be as simple as saying “Hi, I just saw this article and it made me think of what we were talking about last month and I wanted to share it with you.” Then attach the article. Such a simple way to stay connected and let them know that you really listened during your conversation.

3. Share an idea that you thought of that might help a problem they’re currently having. If you come up with an idea that would solve their problem that was shared with you, send it their way. Nothing is better than getting the answer to what you’re been searching for then having someone you chatted with follow back up with the solution to their problem. Be the hero and save the day!

4. Continue to educate. Share another business tip that would build on what your first conversation was based on. It helps show that you’re an expert in your field and gives you credibility.

5. Refer them to another business connection that would be an ideal client or strategic alliance partner. Better yet schedule coffee with all of them so you can introduce them and let them know why you think they need to connect or work together.

6. Invite them to attend a local networking event as your guest. No one likes to attend an event alone, (well I don’t at least) it feels so much more fun when you know a friendly face in the room you walk into. Invite them along and introduce them to some key people who they could network with and build a few new relationships with.

7. Invite them to read a recent blog post you wrote. If they’re not on your email list yet, then share a recent blog post that might benefit them where they currently are at.

8. Share your story with them. People connect best through story so share how you started your business or what led you to where you’re at today.

9. Send them a recap of the notes you took during your initial conversation. Shows you care and really listened to what they had to say.

10. Share a success story. Nothing is more inspiring or motivating than hearing about someone reaching their goals. Share a client’s success story or a case study that will encourage them to keep pushing through.

Be authentic in all of the ways you choose to follow up and stay connected.

And remember just show up, be yourself and make real true connections and friendships.

The rest will take care of itself.

I’m curious which of my 10 tips will you try next?

Ps. Have you signed up for my Free July Masterclass on Thursday the 23rd, @ 12pm PST?

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• The three areas to focus in on to become crystal clear on who your ideal client is
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