You return home after a networking event and empty your pockets, putting the business cards you collected onto the desk. What comes next? A follow up note is always a good start and if you were really listening as you collected the cards you even know something about the person, and can send include something personal or relevant.

However, this does not give you permission to send a sales pitch:

Hi, I enjoyed meeting you and by the way if you are looking for (insert whatever you sell here).” This not-so-subtle approach says “I am not really interested in you, unless you want to buy something.”  An experienced networker knows it may take a few conversations to move to the sale mode, but when you get there, you have a greater chance of success.

Looking for more networking tips?  Checkout “Confessions of a Networking Junkie“

And if you want to put this tip into action, check out an upcoming Rainmakers meeting