The importance of follow up - part I

When meeting potential clients,  potential teaming partners, or potential vendors I am well aware that first impression may be  the lasting impression of my business.  I try to followup with  the aforementioned groups within three days of when we met because waiting longer than that my point of contact may have forgotten about our conversation. 

How do I follow up?

• If I promised to send information (e.g. Jade Solutions' Capabilities Statement). I send it within 48 hours and mention where or how we met.
•  If appropriate, if the person is on LinkedIn, I will send a message to connect  within 72 hours. I mention in the request to connect where we met.
• If appropriate, I will suggest we meet via phone , for cup of coffee/tea, or for lunch to follow up .
• I also write hand written notes.

The type of contact will dictate the type of followup . For example, I recently attended a vendor outreach event where I had the opportunity to talking with the Contracting Officer of a Federal Government Agency.  At the midpoint of our conversation the Contracting Officer invited me  to email my Capabilities Statement to his office.  A few moment later he added, "if you don't send it within three days, don't bother sending it.  I'm busy and don't have time for people who aren't really interested." I smiled and reassured the Contracting Officer that I would respond in 24 hours.  The Contracting Officer didn't conceal his skeptical look  and continued our conversation.  I emailed the requested Capabilities Statement within 24 hours.  In turn, Jade Solutions was added to the Contracting Officer's database of interested vendors. 

How do you follow up with potential vendors, potential teaming partners,  and potential clients?  Share your comments below.