The 24-Hour Rule

Networking is about building relationships, and the follow-up is where the relationship actually begins.

I see this happen all the time.

Someone attends an event.

They have great conversations.
Meet interesting people.
Exchange business cards.

And then...

Nothing.

A week goes by.

Two weeks go by.

And eventually the opportunity to build that relationship disappears.

That's why I have what I call a 24-hour rule.

If I meet someone I genuinely want to stay connected with, I try to follow up within 24 hours.

Not because I'm trying to sell them something.

But because I want them to remember me.

And honestly, I want to remember them.

If someone gives me a business card, I'll often write a note on it before I leave the event or write a note in my phone.

Something we talked about.
Something they mentioned.
A shared interest.
A recommendation I want to send them.

Sometimes I'll make a note in my phone instead.

Then when I follow up, it isn't generic.

It's personal.

Maybe it's a book recommendation.

Maybe it's an article.

Maybe it's a movie we talked about.

Something that shows I was listening.

Because that's what people remember.

Not your pitch.

Not your title.

Not your elevator speech.

They remember how you made them feel.

And the longer you wait to follow up, the harder it becomes.

The conversation fades.

The connection weakens.

The opportunity gets lost.

Relationships require nurturing.

And often the difference between a strong connection and a forgotten one is a simple follow-up.

So here's my challenge for you this week:

Who have you met recently that deserves a quick check-in?

Don't wait.

Reach out.

The relationship might be more valuable than you realize.