Your image is just as important as your reputation. In business we work hard to make sure our first impression is a good one. When networking, we dress professionally, take care that we are well groomed, and have business cards on hand. We network to develop business relationships. Getting referrals in business is a natural byproduct of those relationships. Showing up consistently, arriving early, staying late, being an attentive listener, and seeing how you can help others get what they need first will pave the way for business to come you. Have you considered that what you do after the event may matter even more?

If you have offered to make an introduction for someone, or if they have indicated that they would like more information about your products or services, it’s a good idea to follow-up promptly. Wait too long and they may not remember you, or they may no longer feel that same level or urgency. Forget to follow-up and they may worse yet lose trust altogether. A great way to develop these relationships and follow up is to show appreciation. You should be generous with your appreciation if you have received referrals even if the referrals do not immediately result in an order. “Reward good behavior”. Greeting cards are no longer common with all of the other technological tools at our fingertips, but receiving a card still evokes a special feeling like no other. It makes someone feel special and they will recognize and remember that you took time and the extra step. A simple handwritten greeting card does go a long way to establish you as a business owner with a good reputation. That, my friend, in the long run is worth millions!

If you know them well enough, a gift (perhaps something from www.bangleandclutch.com) can be appropriate and will certainly endear you to them indefinitely! Your image is important for first impressions as well as lasting ones. How you behave during networking events helps others form opinions about you, but the follow-up can make or break the deal. To connect with Patti Glick (author of this post) or learn more about networking, appreciation marketing, and follow-up visit www.HandtoHandContact.com or www.SendOutCards.com/HandtoHandContact

This post is part of our guest blogger series meant to inspire and motivate women. They do not necessarily reflect the political, religious or other view points of http://www.bangleandclutch.com , Nannette Bosh, Nannette Bosh Inc., AskNannette Bosh, http://www.asknannette.com  or http://www.nannettebosh.com . Thanks for the inspiration Patti we enjoyed Networking 411: What to do After the Event!!!